Job 21:19
Job 21:19 in Multiple Translations
It is said that God lays up one’s punishment for his children. Let God repay the man himself, so he will know it.
God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
Ye say, God layeth up his iniquity for his children. Let him recompense it unto himself, that he may know it:
You say, God keeps punishment stored up for his children. Let him send it on the man himself, so that he may have the punishment of it!
Some say, ‘God saves up people's punishment for their children.’ But I say, ‘God should punish those people themselves so that they can learn from it.’
God wil lay vp the sorowe of the father for his children: when he rewardeth him, hee shall knowe it.
God layeth up for his sons his sorrow, He giveth recompense unto him — and he knoweth.
You say, ‘God lays up his iniquity for his children.’ Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.
God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it .
God shall lay up the sorrow of the father for his children: and when he shall repay, then shall he know.
You say, ‘When people have committed sins, God waits and punishes their children because of those sins;’ but I say that God should punish those who sin, not their children, in order that the sinners will know that it is because of their own sins that they are being punished.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 21:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱל֗וֹהַּ
יִצְפֹּן
לְ/בָנָ֥י/ו
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם
אֵלָ֣י/ו
וְ/יֵדָֽע
אֱל֗וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
יִצְפֹּן
tsâphan
H6845
to treasure
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לְ/בָנָ֥י/ו
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp | Suff
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms | Suff
יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אֵלָ֣י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וְ/יֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:19
אֱל֗וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
יִצְפֹּן
tsâphan
H6845
"to treasure"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To treasure means to hide or store something valuable, like the treasures stored in the temple in 1 Kings.
Definition: 1) to hide, treasure, treasure or store up 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to hide, treasure, treasure up 1a2) to lie hidden, lurk 1b) (Niphal) to be hidden, be stored up 1c) (Hiphil) to hide, hide from discovery
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: esteem, hide(-den one, self), lay up, lurk (be set) privily, (keep) secret(-ly, place). See also: Exodus 2:2; Psalms 31:21; Psalms 10:8.
לְ/בָנָ֥י/ו
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
אֵלָ֣י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וְ/יֵדָֽע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Job 21:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:19
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:19
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:19
- Sermons on Job 21:19
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
17How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction?
18Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm?
19It is said that God lays up one’s punishment for his children. Let God repay the man himself, so he will know it.
20Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty. 21For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 20:5 | You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, |
| 2 | Ezekiel 18:19–20 | Yet you may ask, ‘Why shouldn’t the son bear the iniquity of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right, carefully observing all My statutes, he will surely live. The soul who sins is the one who will die. A son will not bear the iniquity of his father, and a father will not bear the iniquity of his son. The righteousness of the righteous man will fall upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked man will fall upon him. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:2 | “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge’? |
| 4 | Isaiah 14:21 | Prepare a place to slaughter his sons for the iniquities of their forefathers. They will never rise up to possess a land or cover the earth with their cities. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 31:29 | “In those days, it will no longer be said: ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the teeth of the children are set on edge.’ |
| 6 | Isaiah 53:4–6 | Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 18:14 | Now suppose this son has a son who sees all the sins his father has committed, considers them, and does not do likewise: |
| 8 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
| 9 | Psalms 109:9–31 | May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children wander as beggars, seeking sustenance far from their ruined homes. May the creditor seize all he owns, and strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May there be no one to extend kindness to him, and no one to favor his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and the sin of his mother never be blotted out. May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. For he never thought to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and brokenhearted, even to their death. The cursing that he loved, may it fall on him; the blessing in which he refused to delight, may it be far from him. The cursing that he wore like a coat, may it soak into his body like water, and into his bones like oil. May it be like a robe wrapped about him, like a belt tied forever around him. May this be the LORD’s reward to my accusers, to those who speak evil against me. But You, O GOD, the Lord, deal kindly with me for the sake of Your name; deliver me by the goodness of Your loving devotion. For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me. I am fading away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and my body grows lean and gaunt. I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. Help me, O LORD my God; save me according to Your loving devotion. Let them know that this is Your hand, that You, O LORD, have done it. Though they curse, You will bless. When they rise up, they will be put to shame, but Your servant will rejoice. May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may they wear their shame like a robe. With my mouth I will thank the LORD profusely; I will praise Him in the presence of many. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save him from the condemners of his soul. |
| 10 | Revelation 18:6 | Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. |
Job 21:19 Summary
[This verse is saying that sometimes people think God will punish the children for the bad things their parents did, but Job is saying that God should punish the person who did the bad things, so they will know they did something wrong, like it says in Jeremiah 31:30, where it says that everyone will die for their own sin. This means that we are all responsible for our own actions, and God will hold us accountable for what we do. We can trust God to be fair and just, and to reward us according to our deeds, as seen in Proverbs 24:12, where it says that God will repay everyone according to their works.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God lays up one's punishment for his children?
This phrase suggests that the consequences of a person's actions may not be fully experienced in their own lifetime, but rather may be passed down to their children, as seen in Exodus 34:7, where God says He will punish the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
Is Job saying that God is unfair to punish children for their parents' sins?
No, Job is not saying that God is unfair, but rather that this is a common understanding of how God works, as also stated in Deuteronomy 5:9, where God warns that He will punish the children for the sin of the fathers who hate Him.
What does Job mean by 'Let God repay the man himself, so he will know it'?
Job is saying that rather than punishing the children, God should repay the wicked person directly, so that they will know and understand the consequences of their actions, as also seen in Psalm 92:15, where it is written that God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked.
How does this verse relate to the idea of personal responsibility?
This verse emphasizes the idea that each person is responsible for their own actions, and that God will hold them accountable, as stated in Ezekiel 18:20, where it says that the soul who sins will die, and that the son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen the consequences of sin passed down from one generation to the next, and how can I break those patterns in my own life?
- How do I understand the idea of God's punishment and judgment, and how does that affect my relationship with Him?
- In what ways do I need to take personal responsibility for my own actions, and how can I trust God to repay me according to my deeds?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of living a righteous life, and how can I apply that to my daily decisions and choices?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:19
God layeth up his iniquity for his children,.... This is a prevention of an objection which Job foresaw his friends would make, and therefore takes it up and answers to it; you will say, that, be it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:19
God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:19
God layeth up, to wit, in his treasures, . His iniquity, or rather, the punishment of his iniquity, i.e. he will punish him both in his person and in his posterity. He shall know it, i.e. he shall live to see the destruction of his children.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:19
Job 21:19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know [it].Ver. 19. God layeth up his iniquity for his children] That is, the punishment of his iniquity, while he visiteth the sins of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him, Exodus 20:5. Neither doth this contradict that of the prophet Ezekiel, "The son, shall not die for the iniquity of his father," Ezekiel 18:17; nor that of the apostle, "Every man shall bear his own burden," Galatians 6:5; for the meaning of those words is, that no man be damned for the sin of his father, nor one man for the sin of another, unless by commission, or approbation, or some way or other he make it his own. But for temporal punishments there is none but (by occasion of others’ sin) may have their portion in them; and wicked parents leave Job’ s legacy to their children; yea, though they prove to be good children, 1 Kings 14:12-13, for whom God layeth up their parents’ iniquity in the treasures of his justice to be produced in due tine. He rewardeth him] For every transgression and disobedience; that is, every commission and omission "receiveth a just recompense of reward," Hebrews 2:2. God will abate him nothing. And he shall know it] Know it to his cost. Vexation shall give understanding; he that, before this judgment came, would know nothing of the bitter effect of sin upon him and his, now hath his eyes forced open (as the blind mole is said to have by the pangs of death), and cry out with the lion in the snare, Si praescivissem, Oh! if I had foreknown the mischief, &c. The wicked are wise too late; the fool passeth on and is punished; he knows not the evil of sin till he feels it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:19
(19) God layeth up his iniquity (i.e., the punishment of it) for his children, may be the hypothetical reply of the antagonists in the mouth of Job, and the second clause his own retort: “Let him repay it to himself that he may know it.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:19
Verse 19. God layeth up his iniquity for his children] This is according to the declaration of God, Exodus 20:5: "Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." This always supposes that the children, who are thus visited, have copied their parents' example; or that ill-gotten property is found in their hands, which has descended to them from their wicked fathers; and of this God, in his judgments, strips them. It is, however, very natural to suppose that children brought up without the fear of God will walk in the sight of their own eyes, and according to the imaginations of their own hearts. He rewardeth him, and he shall know it.] He shall so visit his transgressions upon him, that he shall at last discern that it is God who hath done it. And thus they will find that there would have been profit in serving him, and safety in praying unto him. But this they have neglected, and now it is too late.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:19
7–21. This great mystery of the prosperity of the wicked in God’s providence Job now unfolds on both its sides: first, they and all belonging to them prosper, and they die in peace, although in conscious godlessness they bade the Almighty depart from them, Job 21:7-16; and second, negatively, examples of calamity befalling them are few, Job 21:17-21.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:19
God layeth up his iniquity for his children - Margin, that is, “the punishment of iniquity.” This is a reference evidently to the opinion which “they” had maintained.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:19
19. Iniquity — àåï also signifies “calamity,” “wealth” — a network of meanings exceedingly suggestive.
Sermons on Job 21:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema |
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A Biblical Family - a Tool in God's Hands (Part 2) by Erlo Stegen | In this final service of a weekend conference on the biblical family, the preacher emphasizes the importance of parents repenting of their sins and seeking forgiveness from God. He |
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Visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young boy who expressed his desire to attend Bible school and become a preacher. Years later, the speaker encounters a m |
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A Call to Us by Basilea Schlink | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving God the first right to our time, money, possessions, and everything that makes life worth living. The speaker highli |
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A Message of Reconciliation by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the offensive nature of the gospel and the justice of God in condemning sinners. He highlights the unity of the Scriptures by drawing parall |
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The Insanity of Sin - Part 1 by Joy Dawson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience before God and men. He shares a story about a man who sent telegrams to influential people, caus |
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The Potter's Power Over the Clay by Eli Brayley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose for the church. He urges the congregation to not be ignorant about the things of God, particul |