Job 8:13

8:13 Such is the destiny ¹  of all who forget God;

the hope of the godless ²  perishes,

Job 27:8-10

27:8 For what hope does the godless have when he is cut off, ³ 

when God takes away his life? ⁴ 

27:9 Does God listen to his cry

when distress overtakes him?

27:10 Will he find delight ⁵  in the Almighty?

Will he call out to God at all times?

Job 36:13

36:13 The godless at heart ⁶  nourish anger, ⁷ 

they do not cry out even when he binds them.

Isaiah 33:14

33:14 Sinners are afraid in Zion;

panic ⁸  grips the godless. ⁹ 

They say, ¹⁰  ‘Who among us can coexist with destructive fire?

Who among us can coexist with unquenchable ¹¹  fire?’

[8:13]  ¹ tn The word אָרְחוֹת (’orkhot) means “ways” or “paths” in the sense of tracks of destiny or fate. The word דֶּרֶךְ (derekh, “way, road, path”) is used in a similar way (Isa 40:27; Ps 37:5). However, many commentators emend the text to read אַחֲרִית (’akharit, “end”) in harmony with the LXX. But Prov 1:19 (if not emended as well) confirms the primary meaning here without changing the text (see D. J. A. Clines, Job [WBC], 199).

[8:13]  ² tn The word חָנֵף (khanef) is often translated “hypocrite.” But the root verb means “to be profane,” and this would be done by idolatry or bloodshed. It describes an irreligious person, a godless person. In Dan 11:32 the word seems to mean “make someone pagan.” The word in this verse is parallel to “those who forget God.”

[27:8]  ³ tn The verb יִבְצָע (yivtsa’) means “to cut off.” It could be translated transitively or intransitively – the latter is better here (“when he is cut off”). Since the next line speaks of prayer, some have thought this verse should be about prayer. Mandelkern, in his concordance (p. 228b), suggested the verb should be “when he prays” (reading יִפְגַּע [yifga’] in place of יִבְצָע [yivtsa’]).

[27:8]  ⁴ tn The verb יֵשֶׁל (yeshel) is found only here. It has been related spoils [or sheaves]”); שָׁאַל (sha’al, “to ask”); נָשָׂא (nasa’, “to lift up” [i.e., pray]); and a host of others.

[27:10]  ⁵ tn See the note on 22:26 where the same verb is employed.

[36:13]  ⁶ tn The expression “godless [or hypocrite] in heart” is an intensification of the description. It conveys that they are intentionally godless. See Matt 23:28.

[36:13]  ⁷ tn Heb “they put anger.” This is usually interpreted to mean they lay up anger, or put anger in their hearts.

[33:14]  ⁸ tn Or “trembling” (ASV, NAB, NASB, NIV, NRSV); NLT “shake with fear.”

[33:14]  ⁹ tn Or “the defiled”; TEV “The sinful people of Zion”; NLT “The sinners in Jerusalem.”

[33:14]  ¹⁰ tn The words “they say” are supplied in the translation for clarification.

[33:14]  ¹¹ tn Or “perpetual”; or “everlasting” (KJV, ASV, NAB, NIV, NRSV).