The Church Fathers on this verse

Job 18:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let the memory of him perish from the earth, and let not his name be renowned in the streets.

Douay-Rheims

זִֽכְרוֹ־אָ֭בַד מִנִּי־אָ֑רֶץ וְלֹא־שֵׁ֥ם ל֝֗וֹ עַל־פְּנֵי־חֽוּץ׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory the Great

6th centuryChurch Father

Let his remembrance be erased from the earth, and may his name not be heard in the public squares, as stated in Job 18:17. This requires our consideration: Bildad the Shuhite articulates a condemnation of all the wicked in such a way that his words subtly target the ultimate source of wickedness, which is the adversary. In the end times, he will embody himself in the vessel of destruction known as ‘Antichrist,’ striving to propagate his name as any evil individual seeks to elevate his own status, associating his legacy with fame and reveling in worldly acclaim. Thus, these phrases should be understood as addressing each of the wicked while simultaneously indicating the source of wickedness itself.

Read more (139 words)

Therefore, it is fitting to proclaim that his memory should be erased from the earth, and his name not be mentioned in public spaces. The term street, from the Greek word platea, meaning wide, signifies how Antichrist attempts to cement his renown in the world, yearning to preserve his temporal glory indefinitely, wanting ‘his name to be repeated in the public squares’ as he spreads his malevolent deeds far and wide. However, this evil will not endure in exaltation for long, and we must declare that let his memory vanish from the earth, and let his name not be repeated in the public squares; signifying that he is destined to swiftly relinquish the splendor of his earthly reign and forfeit the fleeting enjoyment of having his name widely celebrated in the brief period of his success. And it continues:

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job's criticism of his friends for their irrational remarks, articulated with great boldness, provokes anger in one of them, Baldad. In retaliation, he harshly rebukes Job, using Job's own declaration of impending death as evidence of his unrighteousness. The natural order of the world indicates that the wicked, when faced with suffering, are not spared but ultimately conclude their afflictions with death.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.