And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The imagery of "digging about you" isn't just about literal digging for wells or fortifications; it points to actively securing your space and resources. This act of digging signifies establishing a stable foundation and confidently possessing what you have, knowing God's provision guarantees your rest.
And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is painting a picture of what Job's life could be if he would only confess his hidden sins. He argues that if Job repents, he'll experience a future of security and peace, free from the fear of further suffering, even finding abundant resources like water. This optimistic vision stands in stark contrast to Job's current agony and his insistence on his own integrity.
Zophar tells Job he will 'feel secure, because there is hope.' What kind of hope brings real security, not just temporary relief?
Zophar's words point to a profound truth: true security isn't found in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of hope.
A Hope Rooted in God
This hope isn't just wishful thinking; it's a confident expectation grounded in God's character and promises. It's the assurance that God is providentially caring for us, even when circumstances are difficult.
Overcoming Fear
When hope is firmly established, fear loses its grip. The verse promises that with this hope, Job will 'look around and take [his] rest in security.' This implies a freedom from the constant anxiety that adversity can breed. It's about resting not because danger is gone, but because God is sovereign.
The image of 'digging' in this verse is fascinating. What does it mean to 'dig about you' and still find rest?
The phrase 'you will dig about you' evokes a sense of preparation and establishing oneself. Commentators suggest various interpretations, but they all point to active steps taken in confidence.
Establishing Roots
In ancient cultures, digging could mean securing tents, plowing fields, or finding essential water sources. This wasn't just about survival; it was about building a life and establishing a place.
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Active Rest
This 'digging' is done before resting. It implies that security allows for, and is supported by, tangible preparations. It's the confident action of someone who believes their efforts are not in vain, and who can therefore 'take their rest in safety' without fear of immediate disruption or contention. It's the peace that comes from knowing you've done what you can and trusting God with the outcome.
Understand the original words
tiqwah · Hebrew Noun
A confident expectation and trust in God’s promises and future deliverance. Biblical hope is not a wishful desire but a certainty grounded in the character and faithfulness of God.
betach · Hebrew Noun
Freedom from anxiety and the state of being safely settled. In a biblical context, it implies reliance on God as the true source of safety rather than on material circumstances.
This passage echoes the idea of peaceful rest secured by God's protection, directly correlating with the safety and security Job anticipates in his restoration.
Jeremiah 29:11This verse highlights God's intention to give hope and a future, mirroring the certainty of security and a positive outlook promised to Job.
Proverbs 3:23-26This proverb speaks about walking securely and resting without fear because of God's presence and protection, aligning with the ultimate source of Job's security.
Genesis 26:12-25This narrative shows Isaac digging wells and finding prosperity and peace despite opposition, illustrating the practical aspect of 'digging' for security and sustenance that Zophar alludes to for Job.
bensonJob 11:18: "And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety."
Job 11:18-19 . Thou shalt be secure, because there is hope — Thy mind shall be quiet and free from terrors, because thou shalt have a firm and well-grounded confidence in God. Thou shalt dig — Either to fix thy tents, which, after the manner of the Arabians, were removed from place to place; or, to plough thy ground, as he had done, Job 1:14 , or to make a fence…
clarkeJob 11:18: "And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety."
And thou shalt be secure - Thou shalt not fear any farther evils to disturb thy prosperity, for thou shalt have a well-grounded hope and confidence that thou shalt no more be visited by adversity. Yea, thou shalt dig - I believe this neither refers to digging his grave, nor to curiously investigating surrounding circumstances; but to the custom of digging for wat…
The imagery of "digging about you" isn't just about literal digging for wells or fortifications; it points to actively securing your space and resources. This act of digging signifies establishing a stable foundation and confidently possessing what you have, knowing God's provision guarantees your rest.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is painting a picture of what Job's life could be if he would only confess his hidden sins. He argues that if Job repents, he'll experience a future of security and peace, free from the fear of further suffering, even finding abundant resources like water. This optimistic vision stands in stark contrast to Job's current agony and his insistence on his own integrity.
Zophar, one of Job's friends, is painting a picture of what Job's life could be if he would only confess his hidden sins. He argues that if Job repents, he'll experience a future of security and peace, free from the fear of further suffering, even finding abundant resources like water. This optimistic vision stands in stark contrast to Job's current agony and his insistence on his own integrity.
"And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security." — The imagery of "digging about you" isn't just about literal digging for wells or fortifications; it points to actively securing your space and resources. This act of digging signifies establishing a…
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Last reviewed October 2026