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 18:13 It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/18-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/18_Job_18_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 18:13 - Bildad: God Punishes the Wicked" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs." /><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/18-13.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/18-13.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/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 13</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="/ad13.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/18-12.htm" title="Job 18:12">◄</a> Job 18:13 <a href="/job/18-14.htm" title="Job 18:14">►</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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It eats away parts of his skin; death&#8217s firstborn devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Disease eats their skin; death devours their limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It consumes the parts of his skin; the firstborn of death consumes his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />It shall devour the strength of his skin: <i>even</i> the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />It devours patches of his skin; The firstborn of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“It devours parts of his skin, The firstborn of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220His skin is devoured by disease, The firstborn of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“His skin is devoured by disease, The first-born of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The firstborn of death eats parts of his skin; It eats parts of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“His skin is devoured by disease; The firstborn of death [the worst of diseases] consumes his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Parts of his skin are eaten away; death’s firstborn consumes his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Parts of his skin are eaten away; death&#8217s firstborn consumes his limbs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The members of his body shall be devoured, Yea, the first-born of death shall devour his members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />then afterwards to be eaten alive by death itself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It shall devour the members of his body, yea, the firstborn of death shall devour his members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />His skin is eaten away by disease. Death's firstborn son eats away at the limbs of his body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A deadly disease spreads over their bodies and causes their arms and legs to rot. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Something gnaws on his skin; a deadly disease consumes his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It eats away parts of his skin; the most terrible death devours his limbs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The members of his body shall be devoured. The firstborn of death shall devour his members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the first-born of death shall devour his strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The members of his body will be devoured. The firstborn of death will devour his members. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />It consumes the parts of his skin, "" Death’s firstborn consumes his parts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> It consumeth the parts of his skin, Consume his parts doth death's first-born.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />It shall devour the bars of his skin: the first-born of death shall devour his bars.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Let it devour the beauty of his skin, let the firstborn death consume his arms. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Let it devour the beauty of his skin; let the ancient death consume his arms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />His skin is eaten to the limbs, the firstborn of Death eats his limbs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />By disease their skin is consumed, the firstborn of Death consumes their limbs.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let force devour his towns, let his first-born die in violence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/18.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />His possessions will be devoured by violence, and his first born dies by violence<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/18.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It shall devour the members of his body, Yea, the first-born of death shall devour his members.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/18.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Let the soles of his feet be devoured: and death shall consume his beauty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/18-13.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=2766" 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/18.htm">Bildad: God Punishes the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>His strength is depleted, and calamity is ready at his side. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">It devours</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: bad·dê (N-mpc) -- Separation, a part. ">patches</a> <a href="/hebrew/5785.htm" title="5785: ‘ō·w·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A skin. From uwr; skin; by implication, hide, leather.">of his skin;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·wr (N-msc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mā·weṯ (N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">of death</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: yō·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">devours</a> <a href="/hebrew/905.htm" title="905: bad·dāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Separation, a part. ">his limbs.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>He is torn from the shelter of his tent and is marched off to the king of terrors.…<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="/isaiah/14-11.htm">Isaiah 14:11</a></span><br />Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Psalm 49:14</a></span><br />Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Proverbs 14:32</a></span><br />The wicked man is thrown down by his own sin, but the righteous man has a refuge even in death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-24.htm">Isaiah 66:24</a></span><br />“As they go forth, they will see the corpses of the men who have rebelled against Me; for their worm will never die, their fire will never be quenched, and they will be a horror to all mankind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Revelation 19:17-18</a></span><br />Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, / so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/32-7.htm">Ezekiel 32:7-8</a></span><br />When I extinguish you, I will cover the heavens and darken their stars. I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon will not give its light. / All the shining lights in the heavens I will darken over you, and I will bring darkness upon your land,’ declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/25-33.htm">Jeremiah 25:33</a></span><br />Those slain by the LORD on that day will be spread from one end of the earth to the other. They will not be mourned, gathered, or buried. They will be like dung lying on the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-19.htm">Psalm 73:19</a></span><br />How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/34-3.htm">Isaiah 34:3</a></span><br />Their slain will be left unburied, and the stench of their corpses will rise; the mountains will flow with their blood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-4.htm">Luke 12:4-5</a></span><br />I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. / But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a></span><br />Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Isaiah 5:14</a></span><br />Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/39-17.htm">Ezekiel 39:17-20</a></span><br />And as for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: Call out to every kind of bird and to every beast of the field: ‘Assemble and come together from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great feast on the mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood. / You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. / At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-28.htm">Matthew 24:28</a></span><br />Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.</p><p class="hdg">strength.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-16.htm">Job 17:16</a></b></br> They shall go down to the bars of the pit, when <i>our</i> rest together <i>is</i> in the dust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jonah/2-6.htm">Jonah 2:6</a></b></br> I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars <i>was</i> about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.</p><p class="hdg">the firstborn</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3</a></b></br> Reuben, thou <i>art</i> my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/14-30.htm">Isaiah 14:30</a></b></br> And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety: and I will kill thy root with famine, and he shall slay thy remnant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/6-8.htm">Revelation 6:8</a></b></br> And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/17-7.htm">Body</a> <a href="/job/15-34.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/job/17-5.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/job/15-34.htm">Consumes</a> <a href="/job/13-28.htm">Consumeth</a> <a href="/job/17-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/job/5-5.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-39.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-9.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-25.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/job/9-23.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-25.htm">Diseases</a> <a href="/job/5-5.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/job/1-18.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/job/1-18.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/job/18-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Limbs</a> <a href="/job/17-7.htm">Members</a> <a href="/job/17-16.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/job/16-15.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/job/18-12.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/job/17-7.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/exodus/9-24.htm">Worst</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/19-17.htm">Body</a> <a href="/job/20-18.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/job/19-27.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/job/31-12.htm">Consumes</a> <a href="/job/22-20.htm">Consumeth</a> <a href="/job/20-16.htm">Death</a> <a href="/job/20-21.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/job/20-21.htm">Devoured</a> <a href="/job/24-21.htm">Devoureth</a> <a href="/job/22-20.htm">Devours</a> <a href="/job/27-15.htm">Disease</a> <a href="/psalms/103-3.htm">Diseases</a> <a href="/job/39-24.htm">Eats</a> <a href="/psalms/78-51.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/psalms/78-51.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/job/20-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/job/40-18.htm">Limbs</a> <a href="/job/40-18.htm">Members</a> <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/job/19-20.htm">Skin</a> <a href="/job/20-11.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/job/30-3.htm">Wasted</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Worst</a><div class="vheading2">Job 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/18-1.htm">Bildad reproves Job for presumption and impatience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/18-5.htm">The calamities of the wicked</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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It devours patches of his skin;</b><br>This phrase suggests a consuming affliction, possibly a disease or severe suffering, that affects the physical body. In the context of Job, it reflects the intense physical and emotional torment Job is experiencing. The imagery of skin being devoured can be linked to the boils and sores that Job suffers from, as described earlier in the book (<a href="/job/2-7.htm">Job 2:7</a>). This suffering is emblematic of the broader theme of human frailty and the consequences of living in a fallen world. The idea of something devouring the skin also echoes the curses of disobedience found in <a href="/deuteronomy/28-35.htm">Deuteronomy 28:35</a>, where skin diseases are mentioned as a form of divine judgment.<p><b>the firstborn of death devours his limbs.</b><br>The "firstborn of death" is a metaphorical expression that personifies death as having a firstborn, suggesting a powerful and primary agent of destruction. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn often held a place of prominence and strength, so this phrase emphasizes the severity and inevitability of death's power. The devouring of limbs indicates a complete and overwhelming destruction, not just a superficial affliction. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory of death over the body, which is later countered by the hope of resurrection and eternal life in the New Testament (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">1 Corinthians 15:54-57</a>). Theologically, this phrase underscores the belief in the sovereignty of God over life and death, and the hope for redemption through Christ, who conquers death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bildad_the_shuhite.htm">Bildad the Shuhite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him but ends up arguing with him. Bildad is the speaker in this passage, offering a traditional view of retributive justice.<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 is suffering immensely despite his righteousness. His account is a profound exploration of suffering and faith.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_firstborn_of_death.htm">The Firstborn of Death</a></b><br>A metaphorical figure representing the ultimate power of death and destruction. In the context of Bildad's speech, it symbolizes the inevitable and consuming nature of death.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the setting for the events of the Book of Job.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/suffering_and_retribution.htm">Suffering and Retribution</a></b><br>The broader theme of the Book of Job, where the traditional belief that suffering is a direct result of sin is challenged.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_death.htm">The Reality of Death</a></b><br>Death is an inevitable part of human existence, and its power is depicted vividly in Bildad's speech. Christians are called to acknowledge this reality while holding onto the hope of eternal life through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/misinterpretation_of_suffering.htm">Misinterpretation of Suffering</a></b><br>Bildad's speech reflects a common misunderstanding that suffering is always a result of personal sin. Believers should be cautious not to judge others' suffering without understanding God's broader purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Bildad's harsh words add to Job's suffering. This reminds us of the importance of speaking with compassion and understanding, especially to those who are hurting.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_death.htm">Hope Beyond Death</a></b><br>While Bildad's view is bleak, the New Testament offers hope beyond death through Jesus Christ. Christians are encouraged to focus on this hope and share it with others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'firstborn_of_death'_literal.htm">Job 18:13: Is there any scientific or historical basis for “the firstborn of death” describing a literal force or being? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_prayer_not_heal_amputees.htm">Why does prayer not heal amputees?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'called_by_his_purpose'_mean.htm">How is Jesus represented in each book of the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_37_14-15_conflict_with_free_will.htm">Does Job 37:14-15's portrayal of God controlling weather conflict with biblical passages that emphasize human free will over divine intervention?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">The strength of his skin.</span>--This verse should probably be rendered, "It shall devour the members of his body, even the firstborn of death shall devour his members;" and by the "firstborn of death" is probably to be understood some wasting disease such as Job's, the phrase being so used as a euphemism.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It shall devour the strength of his skin</span>; literally, <span class="accented">the bars of his skin</span> by which some understand "the muscles," some "the members," of his body. The general meaning is plain, that destruction shall always be close to him, and shall ultimately make him its own. <span class="cmt_word">Even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength</span>. By "the firstborn of death" is probably intended, either some wasting disease generally, or perhaps the special disease from which Job is suffering. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/18-13.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">It devours</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹ֭אכַל</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">patches</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּדֵּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bad·dê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his skin;</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹר֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5785.htm">Strong's 5785: </a> </span><span class="str2">Skin, hide, leather</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the firstborn</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of death</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽוֶת׃</span> <span class="translit">(mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">devours</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹאכַ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> </span><span class="str2">To eat</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his limbs.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּ֝דָּ֗יו</span> <span class="translit">(bad·dāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_905.htm">Strong's 905: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/18-13.htm">OT Poetry: Job 18:13 The members of his body shall be (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/18-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 18:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 18:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/18-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 18:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 18:14" /></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>