Job 8:12
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it wither before any other herb.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it wither before any other herb.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, It withereth before any other herb.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
When it is still green, without being cut down, it becomes dry and dead before any other plant.
Webster's Revision
Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
World English Bible
While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
Clarke's Job 8:12 Bible Commentary
Whilst it is yet in his greenness - We do not know enough of the natural history of this plant to be able to discern the strength of this allusion; but we learn from it that, although this plant be very succulent, and grow to a great size, yet it is short-lived, and speedily withers; and this we may suppose to be in the dry season, or on the retreat of the waters of the Nile. However, Soon Ripe, soon Rotten, is a maxim in horticulture.
Barnes's Job 8:12 Bible Commentary
Whilst it is yet in his greenness - That is, while it seems to be in its vigor.
And is not cut down - Even when it is not cut down. If suffered to stand by itself, and if undisturbed, it will wither away. The application of this is obvious and beautiful. Such plants have no self sustaining power. They are dependent on moisture for their support. If that is withheld, they droop and die. So with the prosperous sinner and the hypocrite. His piety, compared with that which is genuine, is like the spongy texture of the paper-reed compared with the solid oak. He is sustained in his professed religion by outward prosperity, as the rush is nourished by moisture; and the moment his prosperity is withdrawn, his religion droops and dies like the flag without water.
Wesley's Job 8:12 Bible Commentary
8:12 Greenness - Whereby it promises long continuance. Tho' no man cut it down, it withers of itself, sooner than other herbs.