Job 20:18

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:18 encapsulates Zophar's unwavering conviction regarding the inevitable downfall of the wicked. He asserts that any wealth or advantage gained through unrighteous means will not only be forcibly returned, but the wicked individual will also be utterly deprived of any satisfaction or joy from their ill-gotten prosperity. This verse serves as a stark declaration of divine justice, emphasizing that the fruits of wickedness are fleeting and ultimately bring no lasting benefit or contentment to the one who acquired them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 20:18 is found within Zophar the Naamathite's second and final speech (Job 20). This chapter follows Job's lament in [Job 19](/job/19 "Job 19 - Job's Plea for Pity"), where Job expresses his profound suffering and his conviction that God is against him, yet still holds onto a hope in a Redeemer. Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, operates from a rigid retribution theology, believing that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. In this speech, Zophar paints a vivid, almost hyperbolic, picture of the wicked person's brief prosperity followed by swift and devastating judgment. He argues that the wicked may flourish for a moment, but their ultimate end is destruction and the loss of all their gains. Verse 18 specifically addresses the futility of their acquisitions, serving as a key point in his argument that the wicked cannot escape divine justice or truly benefit from their wrongdoing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and misfortune as a sign of divine displeasure. This cultural understanding heavily influenced the arguments of Job's friends. Wealth, especially in a pastoral or agrarian society, was a tangible measure of success and security, often passed down through generations. Zophar's assertion that the wicked would "restore" their gains and "not swallow it down" speaks to a cultural understanding of ownership, inheritance, and the public shame associated with losing one's accumulated wealth. The concept of "restitution" was well-established in ancient legal codes (e.g., [Exodus 22:1-15](/exodus/22-1 "Exodus 22 - Laws on Restitution and Social Justice")), where stolen or damaged property had to be returned, often with a penalty. Zophar applies this principle to divine justice, suggesting that God Himself enforces this cosmic restitution.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's active role in ensuring that injustice does not prevail indefinitely. Zophar's perspective, though flawed in its application to Job, firmly believes that God will right all wrongs, forcing the wicked to relinquish their ill-gotten gains (cf. [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Wealth of the Sinner")). Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Wicked Wealth**, portraying worldly success achieved through unrighteousness as ultimately empty and unsatisfying. The wicked person cannot "rejoice therein," emphasizing that true contentment and lasting prosperity are not found in material accumulation gained at the expense of justice (cf. [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness Profit Nothing")). Finally, it reinforces the **Inevitable Consequences of Sin**, a core biblical principle that actions have repercussions, and God's judgment, though sometimes delayed, is certain and comprehensive. Zophar's speech serves as a stark warning against the pursuit of unrighteous gain, asserting that divine judgment will strip away not only the material benefits but also any anticipated joy from such endeavors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Restore (שָׁקַק, _shaqaq'_):** While the KJV uses "restore," the Hebrew verb here is more accurately related to "pant," "rush," or "long for." However, in this context, the Septuagint and other ancient versions interpret it as "vomit" or "cast forth," implying a forced expulsion or disgorgement of what was greedily consumed. This vivid imagery emphasizes that the wicked will not merely return what they took, but will be compelled to expel it, unable to retain or enjoy it.
* **Swallow down (בָּלַע, _bala'_):** This is a powerful, visceral idiom. To "swallow down" something implies to consume it fully, to digest it, and to make it one's own, deriving benefit and satisfaction from it. The negation "shall not swallow [it] down" vividly conveys the idea that the wicked will not be able to fully assimilate, retain, or enjoy their ill-gotten gains. It suggests a forced rejection or expulsion, preventing any lasting benefit or pleasure.
* **Restitution (שִׁלּוּם, _shillum'_):** This noun denotes "repayment," "recompense," or "retribution." It carries a strong legal and moral connotation of a mandatory return or settlement of a debt or wrong. In this verse, it emphasizes that the return of the ill-gotten gains is not voluntary but a compelled act of divine justice, ensuring that what was unjustly taken is returned or balanced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down":** This opening clause immediately sets up a powerful contrast. The wicked person expends effort ("laboured for") to acquire wealth, but this effort will be rendered futile. The fruit of their labor will not be retained or enjoyed; instead, they will be forced to "restore" or disgorge it. The phrase "shall not swallow [it] down" vividly illustrates the inability to truly possess or benefit from what was unjustly acquired, implying a forced expulsion or denial of any lasting satisfaction.
* **"according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be]":** This part of the verse emphasizes the proportionality and certainty of the divine judgment. The "restitution" (repayment or recompense) will be commensurate with the "substance" or wealth that the wicked person acquired. It suggests that the loss will be as significant as the gain, ensuring that the wicked are fully stripped of what they unjustly accumulated, leaving them with nothing from their wrongdoing.
* **"and he shall not rejoice [therein]":** This concluding phrase delivers the ultimate blow to the wicked. Beyond the forced return of their gains, they will also be denied the very satisfaction, pleasure, or joy they anticipated from their ill-gotten wealth. This highlights the ultimate emptiness and futility of unrighteous prosperity, underscoring that true happiness and lasting contentment cannot be found in possessions acquired through injustice.

#### Literary Devices
Zophar's speech, and this verse in particular, employs several potent literary devices to convey his message. The most prominent is **Imagery**, particularly the visceral image of the wicked person being unable to "swallow down" their gains, implying a forced expulsion or vomiting of ill-gotten wealth. This creates a powerful, almost grotesque, mental picture of the futility and ultimate rejection of unrighteous acquisition. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the wicked person "laboured for" something they will ultimately not enjoy, highlighting the paradoxical nature of their efforts. Furthermore, Zophar's absolute and declarative language ("shall he restore," "shall not swallow," "shall the restitution be," "shall not rejoice") conveys a sense of **Certainty and Inevitability**, lending a prophetic tone to his pronouncements of divine judgment. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, contrasting the wicked's effort with their ultimate lack of gain and joy, reinforcing the central theme of divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 20:18, while part of Zophar's limited theological framework, nonetheless articulates a profound truth about God's character and the nature of justice. It affirms the biblical principle that God is inherently just and will not allow injustice to stand indefinitely. While the book of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic cause-and-effect retribution theology of the friends, it never denies God's justice. Instead, it refines our understanding of how and when that justice is meted out. This verse speaks to the divine order where ill-gotten gains are not truly owned or enjoyed, reflecting God's sovereignty over all creation and His moral governance of humanity. It teaches that true prosperity is not merely material accumulation but is rooted in righteousness and a right relationship with God, emphasizing that the pursuit of unrighteous wealth is a futile endeavor that ultimately yields emptiness and loss.

* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Wealth of the Sinner Stored for the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Treasures of Wickedness Profit Nothing")
* [Jeremiah 17:11](/jeremiah/17-11 "Jeremiah 17:11 - The Folly of Ill-Gotten Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 20:18 serves as a potent reminder of the enduring principles of divine justice and the ultimate futility of unrighteous gain. For believers, it is a call to integrity and honesty in all our dealings, reassuring us that wealth acquired through exploitation or deceit carries no lasting value and brings no genuine satisfaction. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to justice, even when it appears that the wicked prosper. This verse offers solace to those who have been wronged, assuring them that God sees and will ultimately bring about restitution. Conversely, it stands as a stern warning to anyone tempted to pursue gain through unethical or unjust means, reminding us that such endeavors will inevitably lead to emptiness, loss, and a deprivation of true joy. Our deepest satisfaction and lasting security are found not in what we acquire, but in living righteously and trusting in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zophar's assertion challenge modern notions of success and wealth accumulation, especially in a world that often glorifies material gain regardless of its source?**
* **In what ways might we be subtly tempted to "swallow down" gains that are not truly ours, perhaps through cutting corners, exploiting others, or taking credit for what we didn't earn?**
* **How does the certainty of divine restitution, even if not immediately visible, encourage us to live with integrity and trust in God's ultimate justice in a seemingly unjust world?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all wealth is inherently suspect, or only wealth acquired through wicked means?**

Answer: This verse specifically targets wealth acquired through "wicked" means or unrighteous labor. Zophar's argument is against the gains of the oppressor, the exploiter, or those who disregard justice. It does not condemn wealth itself, but rather the unjust methods of its acquisition and the unrighteous character of the one who obtains it. The Bible consistently affirms the value of honest labor and righteous stewardship (e.g., [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligent Hands Bring Wealth") and [Deuteronomy 8:18](/deuteronomy/8-18 "Deuteronomy 8:18 - God Gives Power to Get Wealth")). The emphasis in [Job 20:18](/job/20-18 "Job 20:18 - The Futility of Wicked Gain") is on the moral corruption behind the acquisition, which ultimately negates any joy or lasting benefit from such gains.

**How does Zophar's view of justice in this verse align with or differ from the broader biblical understanding of divine justice?**

Answer: Zophar's view, shared by Job's other friends, represents a rigid, simplistic retribution theology: good people prosper, wicked people suffer. While the Bible certainly teaches that God is just and that sin has consequences, the book of Job itself profoundly challenges the direct, immediate, and predictable application of this principle. Job's suffering, despite his righteousness, demonstrates that God's ways are more complex than human logic can fully grasp. However, the core truth that God will ultimately bring justice and that ill-gotten gains are fleeting is a consistent biblical theme (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). Zophar's error was in applying this principle dogmatically to Job's situation, but the principle itself—that the wicked will not ultimately benefit from their injustice—remains a foundational tenet of divine justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zophar's words in [Job 20:18](/job/20-18 "Job 20:18 - The Futility of Wicked Gain") are spoken from a limited human perspective on justice, they find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "restitution" that Zophar speaks of, the forced return of ill-gotten gains, foreshadows the cosmic restitution accomplished by Christ. Humanity, through sin, had acquired a debt it could not pay, a spiritual "gain" that led to death. Christ, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly "restored" what was lost, paying the ultimate price on the cross. He did not "swallow down" the wages of sin, but bore them for us, ensuring that sin's dominion would not be permanent. Through His triumph over sin and death, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, stripping them of their ill-gotten spiritual gains over humanity, making a public spectacle of them (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Furthermore, the futility of rejoicing in unrighteousness is starkly contrasted with the eternal joy found in Christ. He taught His disciples not to [lay up treasures on earth](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"), where moth and rust destroy, but to seek the lasting treasures of His kingdom. The true "rejoicing" is found not in fleeting worldly possessions, but in the [redemption and righteousness](/romans/3-24 "Romans 3:24 - Justified by His Grace") freely given through Him, leading to an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). In Christ, the ultimate justice of God is perfectly revealed, and true, lasting joy is secured for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.