Job 20:18

That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].

That which he laboured {H3022} for shall he restore {H7725}, and shall not swallow it down {H1104}: according to his substance {H2428} shall the restitution {H8545} be, and he shall not rejoice {H5965} therein.

He will have to give back what he toiled for; he won't get to swallow it down -to the degree that he acquired wealth, he won't get to enjoy it.

He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading.

That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down; According to the substance that he hath gotten, he shall not rejoice.

Job 20:18 is part of Zophar the Naamathite's second speech, where he passionately asserts the inevitable downfall and severe consequences awaiting the wicked. In this verse, Zophar declares that the gains acquired through wickedness will not be retained or enjoyed; instead, they will be forcibly restored, and the wicked person will find no joy in their former ill-gotten prosperity.

Context

Zophar, one of Job's three friends, represents a traditional view of divine justice that directly links suffering to sin and prosperity to righteousness. Throughout his speeches, he vehemently argues that Job's immense suffering must be a direct result of hidden sin, and that God's justice will inevitably catch up with the wicked. This particular verse highlights his conviction that the wicked, no matter how successful they appear, will ultimately be stripped of their unjust gains and denied any satisfaction from them. It's part of his broader argument that God's judgment is swift and comprehensive against evildoers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Restitution: The verse emphasizes that God ensures a forced return of ill-gotten gains. The wicked will not "swallow it down," meaning they will not fully consume or benefit from their unjust acquisitions. This speaks to God's inherent justice that demands a rebalancing of what was taken unfairly.
  • Futility of Wicked Wealth: Despite the effort ("laboured for") put into acquiring wealth through unrighteous means, the wicked will not "rejoice therein." This highlights the ultimate emptiness and lack of satisfaction derived from possessions gained through injustice. True joy and lasting prosperity come from righteousness, not exploitation.
  • Inevitable Consequences: Zophar's words underscore a core biblical principle that sin has consequences, and God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is certain. The wicked are not only deprived of their gains but also denied the joy they might have anticipated from them.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shall not swallow [it] down" is a vivid idiom, suggesting that the wicked person will not be able to fully digest, retain, or enjoy their ill-gotten wealth. It implies a forced expulsion or denial of benefit. The term "restitution" (Hebrew: shillûm) here refers to a mandatory repayment or restoration, often in a legal or moral sense, emphasizing that the return of goods is not voluntary but compelled by divine decree or circumstance.

Cross-References & Internal Links

This principle resonates with other biblical teachings that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Similarly, treasures of wickedness profit nothing, reinforcing the idea that ill-gotten gains offer no true security or lasting benefit. The concept of God's justice ensuring restitution is also seen in laws regarding theft and repayment, demonstrating a fundamental aspect of divine governance.

Practical Application

Job 20:18 offers a powerful reminder of God's unwavering justice. For believers, it encourages integrity and honesty in all dealings, knowing that wealth acquired through unrighteousness is ultimately fleeting and brings no lasting satisfaction. It provides comfort to those who suffer injustice, assuring them that divine restitution is part of God's plan. For those tempted to gain at others' expense, it serves as a stern warning that such endeavors will lead to emptiness and loss, not true gain or joy. Ultimately, it points to the superior value of righteousness and a clear conscience over any material accumulation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jeremiah 51:44

    And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

  • Job 20:15

    He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

  • Job 20:10

    ¶ His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

  • Jeremiah 22:13

    Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; [that] useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;

  • Proverbs 1:12

    Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

  • Isaiah 24:7

    The new wine mourneth, the vine languisheth, all the merryhearted do sigh.

  • Isaiah 24:11

    [There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

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