כִּיד (kid)
kid
ruin
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun kid appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Job 21:20. Its precise meaning is uncertain, with scholars generally translating it as "ruin," "destruction," or more specifically, "his misfortune." In this solitary occurrence, Eliphaz uses the term to describe the inevitable fate of the wicked, suggesting that they will personally witness their own downfall.
Because the word is hapax legomenon—appearing just a single time—its exact nuance relies entirely on context. The Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon notes the difficulty in pinning down its definition, leaning toward the interpretation of personal calamity rather than abstract destruction. This rare usage highlights the intense focus on individual retribution within Job’s dialogues.
Translators typically render it as "ruin" or "destruction," capturing the finality of the judgment described. The word serves as a stark reminder of the theological debates in Job, where friends argue for a direct correlation between sin and suffering. Its scarcity underscores how specific vocabulary can carry heavy theological weight even when used sparingly.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for ruin appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, tucked into a moment of intense debate in the book of Job. Eliphaz uses it to describe the inevitable fate of the wicked, suggesting they will personally witness their own downfall. This rare occurrence highlights the heavy theological weight placed on individual retribution within these ancient dialogues.
While the exact nuance remains uncertain due to its single appearance, the context points toward personal calamity rather than abstract destruction. It serves as a stark reminder of how specific vocabulary can carry profound meaning even when used sparingly. In Job’s friends’ arguments, this term underscores their belief in a direct correlation between sin and suffering.
For your faith, this singular usage invites reflection on the nature of justice and suffering. It challenges us to look beyond simple cause-and-effect explanations for life's hardships. Instead, it encourages a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty, even when the reasons behind our trials remain hidden from view.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- destruction/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּיד֑/וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 21:20
Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.
Eliphaz uses this hapax legomenon to assert that the wicked will personally witness their own downfall, emphasizing individual retribution in his argument against Job.