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 8:11 Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/8-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/18_Job_08_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 8:11 - Bildad: Job Should Repent" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?" /><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/8-11.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/8-11.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/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 11</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="/ad11.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/8-10.htm" title="Job 8:10">◄</a> Job 8:11 <a href="/job/8-12.htm" title="Job 8:12">►</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/8.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/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Can papyrus reeds grow tall without a marsh? Can marsh grass flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the reeds flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Can papyrus grow tall without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Can the papyrus grow up without marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Can the papyrus grow up without a marsh? Can the rushes <i>or</i> reed grass grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Can the rush grow up without mire? Can the flag grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Papyrus reeds grow healthy only in a swamp, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Can papyrus grow up where there is no swamp? Can rushes grow tall without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Reeds can't grow where there is no water; they are never found outside a swamp. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Can papyrus grow where there's no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Can the papyrus plant grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish without water? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Can the rush grow without mire? can the flag grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Does a rush rise without a marsh? A reed increase without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'Doth a rush wise without mire? A reed increase without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Shall the bulrush lift itself up without a marsh? shall the marsh grass grow without water?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Can the rush be green without moisture? or a sedge-bush grow without water? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Can the marsh plant live without moisture? Or can sedges grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the reed grass flourish without water? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Can papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Can reeds flourish where there is no water?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Can papyrus grow in a thirsty land? Can reeds grow where there is no water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“Does a reed grow in a thirsty place or papyrus reed spring up where there is no water?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Can the rush shoot up without mire? Can the reed-grass grow without water?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Does the rush flourish without water, or shall the flag grow up without moisture?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/8-11.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=1215" 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/8.htm">Bildad: Job Should Repent</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding? <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1573.htm" title="1573: gō·me (N-ms) -- A rush, reed, papyrus. From gama'; properly, an absorbent, i.e. The bulrush; specifically the papyrus.">Does papyrus</a> <a href="/hebrew/1342.htm" title="1342: hă·yiḡ·’eh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rise up. A primitive root; to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, be majestic.">grow</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: bə·lō (Prep-b:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">where there is no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1207.htm" title="1207: ḇiṣ·ṣāh (N-fs) -- A swamp. Intensive from bots; a swamp.">marsh?</a> <a href="/hebrew/260.htm" title="260: ’ā·ḥū (N-ms) -- Reeds, rushes. Of uncertain derivation; a bulrush or any marshy grass.">Do reeds</a> <a href="/hebrew/7685.htm" title="7685: yiś·geh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To grow, increase. A primitive root; to enlarge.">flourish</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: ḇə·lî- (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/4325.htm" title="4325: mā·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">water?</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up quicker than grass.…<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="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a></span><br />He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-8.htm">Jeremiah 17:8</a></span><br />He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-6.htm">Matthew 13:6</a></span><br />But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-6.htm">Mark 4:6</a></span><br />But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-6.htm">Luke 8:6</a></span><br />Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the seedlings withered because they had no moisture.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-7.htm">Isaiah 40:7-8</a></span><br />The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-11.htm">James 1:11</a></span><br />For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a></span><br />The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-9.htm">Ezekiel 17:9-10</a></span><br />So you are to tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Will it flourish? Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it shrivels? All its foliage will wither! It will not take a strong arm or many people to pull it up by its roots. / Even if it is transplanted, will it flourish? Will it not completely wither when the east wind strikes? It will wither on the bed where it sprouted.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-15.htm">Hosea 13:15</a></span><br />Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come—a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Matthew 6:30</a></span><br />If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-28.htm">Luke 12:28</a></span><br />If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-24.htm">Isaiah 5:24</a></span><br />Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-27.htm">Isaiah 37:27</a></span><br />Therefore their inhabitants, devoid of power, are dismayed and ashamed. They are like plants in the field, tender green shoots, grass on the rooftops, scorched before it is grown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/129-6.htm">Psalm 129:6</a></span><br />May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?</p><p class="hdg">the rush.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Exodus 2:3</a></b></br> And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid <i>it</i> in the flags by the river's brink.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-5.htm">Isaiah 19:5-7</a></b></br> And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/8-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/numbers/10-25.htm">Flag</a> <a href="/numbers/17-5.htm">Flourish</a> <a href="/job/6-5.htm">Grass</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/job/8-7.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/genesis/41-18.htm">Marsh</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-43.htm">Mire</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Papyrus</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-16.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-18.htm">Reed-Grass</a> <a href="/exodus/2-5.htm">Reeds</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/14-13.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/john/2-15.htm">Rushes</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-23.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-23.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/job/6-19.htm">Water</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-15.htm">Wet</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/8-19.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/30-11.htm">Flag</a> <a href="/job/14-9.htm">Flourish</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Grass</a> <a href="/job/8-19.htm">Grow</a> <a href="/job/10-17.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/job/40-21.htm">Marsh</a> <a href="/job/13-12.htm">Mire</a> <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Papyrus</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/genesis/41-2.htm">Reed-Grass</a> <a href="/job/40-21.htm">Reeds</a> <a href="/job/20-28.htm">Rush</a> <a href="/job/15-26.htm">Rushes</a> <a href="/job/38-27.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/job/39-4.htm">Thrive</a> <a href="/job/9-30.htm">Water</a> <a href="/job/24-8.htm">Wet</a> <a href="/job/9-4.htm">Wise</a><div class="vheading2">Job 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-1.htm">Bildad shows God's justice in dealing with men according to their works.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-8.htm">He alleges antiquity to prove the certain destruction of the hypocrite.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-20.htm">He applies God's just dealing to Job.</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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh?</b><br>Papyrus is a plant that thrives in wet, marshy environments, particularly in regions like Egypt and along the Nile River. In the context of Job, Bildad is using this imagery to illustrate the necessity of a proper environment for growth. The papyrus plant, known for its use in making ancient paper, symbolizes something that cannot exist without its essential conditions. This reflects the broader biblical theme that spiritual growth and righteousness require a foundation in God’s truth and presence. The rhetorical question implies that just as papyrus cannot grow without a marsh, a person cannot thrive spiritually without God.<p><b>Do reeds flourish without water?</b><br>Reeds, similar to papyrus, are dependent on water to survive and flourish. This imagery is used to emphasize the importance of sustenance and the right conditions for life. In biblical symbolism, water often represents life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. The question suggests that just as reeds need water, humans need spiritual nourishment to prosper. This can be connected to other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>, which describes a righteous person as a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season. The implication is that spiritual vitality is contingent upon a relationship with God, much like the dependence of reeds on water.<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. In this chapter, Bildad is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and the nature of God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He is undergoing severe trials and suffering, which prompts discussions with his friends about the reasons for his afflictions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/papyrus_and_reeds.htm">Papyrus and Reeds</a></b><br>These are plants that require a marshy, water-rich environment to grow. Bildad uses them as metaphors to illustrate the necessity of a proper foundation for growth and prosperity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_a_strong_foundation.htm">The Necessity of a Strong Foundation</a></b><br>Just as papyrus and reeds need water to thrive, our spiritual lives require a foundation rooted in God's word and presence. Without this, we cannot flourish.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god_for_growth.htm">Dependence on God for Growth</a></b><br>Bildad's metaphor reminds us that true prosperity and growth come from being connected to God, much like plants need water. We must seek His guidance and sustenance daily.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_trials_in_revealing_foundations.htm">The Role of Trials in Revealing Foundations</a></b><br>Bildad's words, though part of a misguided argument, can remind us that trials often reveal the strength of our spiritual foundations. Are we deeply rooted in faith, or are we easily swayed by circumstances?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Bildad's interaction with Job, though flawed, highlights the importance of community and accountability in our spiritual journey. We need others to remind us of God's truths, even if their perspectives are sometimes imperfect.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_8_11-13_conflict_with_god's_mercy.htm">Job 8:11–13 compares the fate of sinners to papyrus plants withering; does this metaphor conflict with other biblical teachings about God’s mercy? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_constitutes_a_spiritual_attack.htm">What constitutes a spiritual attack?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_sheol_literally_underground_why_no_proof.htm">In Job 11:8, is Sheol literally beneath the earth, and if so, why is there no archaeological evidence of it?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_thess._3_3__why_do_faithful_still_suffer.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:3 - How can believers claim 'the Lord is faithful' if historical evidence suggests countless faithful people still suffer or face calamity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">The flag </span>is the plant of <a href="/genesis/41-2.htm" title="And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favored cows and fat; and they fed in a meadow.">Genesis 41:2</a>, which the cattle feed upon. This figure is enforced by a second, that, namely, of the spider's web, the most fragile and transient of tenements.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Can the rush grow up without mire?</span> The word translated "rush" (<span class="hebrew">גמא</span>) is that which occurs also in Exodus if. 3: <a href="/isaiah/18-2.htm">Isaiah 18:2</a> and Isaiah 35:7, as designating a plant common in Egypt, and which is only found in these four places. It is generally admitted that the "papyrus" is meant "a plant of the <span class="accented">Cyperaceae</span> or sedge family, which was formerly common in Egypt" (Hooker, in Smith's 'Dict. of the Bible,' vol. 3. p. 1019). The chief peculiarity of the papyrus is its triangular stem, which rises to the height of six or seven, sometimes even of thirteen or fourteen, feet, and terminates in a bunch of thread-like flowering branchlets. The pith of these stems was the material of which the ancient Egyptians made their paper. The papyrus is a water-plant, and needs an abundant supply, but would often spring up out of any small pool which the Nile left as it retired, and, when the water failed from the peel, would rapidly wither away. A fine papyrus plant was on view, with other water-plants, in the circular greenhouse in Kew Gardens, towards the end of the season of 1890. Can the flag grow without water "The flag" (<span class="hebrew">אחוּ</span>) seems to be the ordinary sedge, or marah-plant. Like the papyrus, it would often spring up in all its greenness from a pool or pond left by the retiring river, and then in a few days, when the water was dried up, would wither away. Both images represent the prosperity of the wicked, and were probably proverbial. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/8-11.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">Does papyrus</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּ֭מֶא</span> <span class="translit">(gō·me)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1573.htm">Strong's 1573: </a> </span><span class="str2">An absorbent, the bulrush, the papyrus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grow</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲיִֽגְאֶה־</span> <span class="translit">(hă·yiḡ·’eh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mount up, to rise, be majestic</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where there is no</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(bə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">marsh?</span><br /><span class="heb">בִצָּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḇiṣ·ṣāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1207.htm">Strong's 1207: </a> </span><span class="str2">A swamp</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Do reeds</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֥חוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_260.htm">Strong's 260: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bulrush, any marshy grass</span><br /><br /><span class="word">flourish</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂגֶּה־</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·geh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7685.htm">Strong's 7685: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grow, increase</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">בְלִי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·lî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">water?</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/8-11.htm">Job 8:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/8-11.htm">OT Poetry: Job 8:11 Can the papyrus grow up without mire? (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/8-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 8:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 8:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/8-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 8:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 8:12" /></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>