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A trap[a] seizes him by the heel;
a snare[b] grips him.
10 A rope is hidden for him[c] on the ground
and a trap for him[d] lies on the path.
11 Terrors[e] frighten him on all sides
and dog[f] his every step.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 18:9 tn This word פָּח (pakh) specifically refers to the snare of the fowler—thus a bird trap. But its plural seems to refer to nets in general (see Job 22:10).
  2. Job 18:9 tn This word does not occur elsewhere. But another word from the same root means “plait of hair,” and so this term has something to do with a net like a trellis or lattice.
  3. Job 18:10 tn Heb “his rope.” The suffix must be a genitive expressing that the trap was for him, to trap him, and so an objective genitive.
  4. Job 18:10 tn Heb “his trap.” The pronominal suffix is objective genitive here as well.
  5. Job 18:11 sn Bildad is referring here to all the things that afflict a person and cause terror. It would then be a metonymy of effect, the cause being the afflictions.
  6. Job 18:11 tn The verb פּוּץ (puts) in the Hiphil has the meaning “to pursue” and “to scatter.” It is followed by the expression “at his feet.” So the idea is easily derived: they chase him at his feet. But some commentators have other proposals. The most far-fetched is that of Ehrlich and Driver (ZAW 24 [1953]: 259-60) which has “and compel him to urinate on his feet,” one of many similar readings the NEB accepted from Driver.

A trap seizes him by the heel;
    a snare(A) holds him fast.(B)
10 A noose(C) is hidden for him on the ground;
    a trap(D) lies in his path.(E)
11 Terrors(F) startle him on every side(G)
    and dog(H) his every step.

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