Job 21:24

KJV

His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

His breasts {H5845} are full {H4390} of milk {H2461}, and his bones {H6106} are moistened {H8248} with marrow {H4221}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his pails are full of milk, and the marrow in his bones is moist.

Berean Standard Bible

His body is well nourished, and his bones are rich with marrow.

American Standard Version

His pails are full of milk, And the marrow of his bones is moistened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 21:24 serves as a potent challenge by Job against the simplistic retribution theology advocated by his friends. Through vivid, almost visceral imagery, Job asserts that, contrary to their belief that wickedness inevitably leads to immediate suffering and decline, many wicked individuals enjoy robust health, overflowing abundance, and physical vitality throughout their lives, seemingly untouched by divine judgment. This verse encapsulates Job’s profound struggle with the apparent injustice of the world, where the unrighteous often thrive while the righteous endure hardship, thereby questioning the direct and visible correlation between sin and suffering in the present age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 21:24 is strategically placed within Job's third and most impassioned discourse (chapters 21-27), where he directly and forcefully refutes the rigid theological framework proposed by his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Throughout their dialogues, Job's friends consistently maintain that his immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin, adhering to a strict doctrine of immediate divine retribution. In chapter 21, Job presents a compelling counter-argument, providing numerous empirical examples of the wicked prospering, living long and peaceful lives, and often dying without experiencing the swift, visible divine punishment his friends insist upon. This specific verse, with its graphic depiction of the wicked's flourishing health, functions as a powerful rhetorical climax, underscoring Job's central contention that earthly prosperity is not a reliable indicator of divine favor or disfavor, thus directly contradicting the core premise of his friends' simplistic theology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly within early Israelite thought, there was a deeply ingrained belief in immediate divine retribution: righteousness was widely understood to lead to blessing and prosperity, while wickedness was believed to inevitably result in curses and suffering. This "Deuteronomic theology," as exemplified by the blessings and curses outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), formed the bedrock of Job's friends' arguments and was a pervasive worldview. Job's challenge in this verse was, therefore, not merely a personal lament but a profound theological critique of a widely accepted societal and religious paradigm. The imagery of "breasts full of milk" and "bones moistened with marrow" would have been universally recognized as powerful indicators of peak physical health, vitality, and abundant provision—the very antithesis of what one would anticipate for the "wicked" under a strict retribution system. Job's observation was scandalous to his contemporaries precisely because it flew in the face of their established theological framework and challenged their understanding of divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** Job 21:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Job. Foremost is the profound **Problem of Theodicy**, grappling with the perplexing question of how a just and omnipotent God can permit the righteous to suffer while the wicked appear to prosper. This verse directly highlights the **Prosperity of the Wicked**, a perplexing reality that fundamentally challenges the simplistic **Retribution Theology** held by Job's friends, which posits a direct, observable, and immediate correlation between sin and suffering. By presenting the thriving state of the unrighteous, Job also underscores the **Inscrutability of God's Ways**, suggesting that divine justice operates on a timeline and according to principles that often transcend immediate human comprehension or observation. This theme is further explored in passages like [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), where the psalmist wrestles with a similar dilemma, and [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah's Question about the Wicked Prospering"), where the prophet questions God's justice concerning the success of the wicked.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breasts (Hebrew, _ʻăṭîyn'_):** From an unused root meaning "to contain," this term refers to a receptacle for milk, such as a pail or an udder. Figuratively, as used here, it signifies an overflowing abundance of sustenance, depicting a person who is exceptionally well-fed, robust, and thriving. It paints a vivid picture of extreme prosperity and vitality, symbolizing abundant provision and health rather than literal human anatomy in the modern sense.
* **Full (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fill or (intransitively) be full of." In this context, it emphasizes the completeness and overflowing nature of the "breasts." It signifies a state of being completely saturated or replete with nourishment, reinforcing the idea of total abundance and a lack of any want or deficiency.
* **Moistened (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to quaff," or causatively, "to irrigate" or "furnish a potion to." This word conveys the idea of being thoroughly saturated or richly supplied from within. It suggests a deep, internal nourishment that goes beyond superficial well-being, indicating a profound and pervasive vitality.
* **Marrow (Hebrew, _môach'_):** In ancient cultures, marrow, the soft tissue within bones, was considered the very essence of vitality, strength, and robust health, residing deep within the body's core. To have bones "moistened with marrow" signifies a person in prime physical condition, full of vigor and not suffering from any debilitating illness or hardship that would cause one to waste away. This imagery powerfully reinforces the idea of complete physical well-being and flourishing, indicating an internal, foundational strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His breasts are full of milk":** This clause presents a striking and somewhat startling image of the wicked person's outward prosperity and physical abundance. The "breasts" (referring to milk-filled vessels or udders, not human anatomy) symbolize an overflowing supply of nourishment and vitality. It depicts a person who is not merely surviving but actively thriving, well-fed, robust, and seemingly enjoying an endless stream of resources. This directly contradicts the expectation of the wicked wasting away due to divine judgment, highlighting their apparent immunity to the consequences Job's friends predict.
* **"and his bones are moistened with marrow":** This second clause powerfully complements the first, emphasizing the internal, foundational health and vigor of the wicked. Marrow, the rich, life-giving substance within bones, was seen as a source of deep strength and vitality. To have bones "moistened with marrow" implies a profound, intrinsic health, a robust constitution, and a complete absence of the debilitating illnesses or physical decay often associated with divine punishment. It paints a picture of a person full of life, energy, and inner strength, further solidifying Job's argument that the wicked often experience profound and unblemished physical well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Job 21:24 is exceptionally rich in **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, creating a vivid and almost visceral picture of the wicked's prosperity. The phrase "His breasts are full of milk" employs a powerful **Metaphor** of overflowing sustenance, drawing on the agrarian image of udders or milk pails brimming with nourishment, to convey extreme abundance and vitality. This is not a literal description of human anatomy but a symbolic representation of a person thriving physically and materially. Similarly, "his bones are moistened with marrow" uses another potent **Metaphor** to depict deep, internal health and vigor. Marrow, the life-giving substance within bones, symbolizes foundational strength and well-being. The combination of these two images creates a stark **Contrast** with Job's own emaciated, disease-ridden, and suffering state, thereby highlighting the perplexing reality that Job is challenging. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary extent of this prosperity, making Job's point about the apparent injustice even more impactful and unsettling for his interlocutors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 21:24 stands as a profound and enduring challenge to any simplistic "retribution theology" that posits an immediate, direct, and visible correlation between one's moral standing and their earthly circumstances. It forces us to confront the complex reality that earthly prosperity is not always an indicator of divine favor, nor is suffering always a sign of divine wrath. Job's observation underscores the profound mystery of God's providence and the crucial truth that divine justice is not always immediate or fully discernible within the confines of this temporal life. This verse compels us to look beyond superficial appearances and cultivate a deeper trust in a God whose ways are infinitely higher than our ways, and whose ultimate justice transcends our limited human understanding of cause and effect. It sets the stage for a more mature and resilient faith that endures even when God's actions seem inscrutable or when the world's apparent injustices remain unresolved in our lifetime.

* [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah Questions the Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Psalm 73:3](/psalm/73-3 "Psalm 73:3 - The Psalmist Envies the Arrogant")
* [Malachi 3:15](/malachi/3-15 "Malachi 3:15 - The Proud are Called Happy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 21:24 offers a crucial and often uncomfortable corrective to any theology that promises immediate earthly rewards for righteousness or swift, visible punishment for sin. It reminds us that God's justice operates on a grander scale and a different, often inscrutable, timeline than our own. In a world where the wicked often seem to flourish and the righteous endure hardship, this verse calls us to cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect judgment, rather than relying on visible circumstances as a measure of divine approval or disapproval. It encourages us to resist the temptation to judge others based on their outward prosperity or suffering, and instead to focus on faithfulness, integrity, and obedience regardless of our immediate circumstances. True prosperity, from a biblical perspective, is not merely physical or material, but spiritual, rooted in one's relationship with God and the eternal realities of His kingdom. This verse challenges us to embrace the complexities of faith, to live with unresolved questions, and to find our ultimate hope not in what we see, but in the unseen, eternal realities of God's unwavering character and unfailing promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 21:24 challenge your assumptions about divine justice and the correlation between sin and suffering in this life?**
* **In what ways might a simplistic "retribution theology" be spiritually harmful or misleading in your own life or in how you view the circumstances of others?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate justice when faced with the apparent prosperity of the wicked or your own unmerited suffering?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 21:24 mean that God approves of the wicked, or that He doesn't care about justice?**

Answer: No, Job 21:24 does not imply God's approval of the wicked or a lack of concern for justice. Instead, it highlights the perplexing reality that God's justice is not always immediate or fully manifest in this earthly life. Job's point is that the wicked often *appear* to prosper, which contradicts the simplistic retribution theology held by his friends. The Bible consistently teaches that God is perfectly just and will ultimately judge all people, repaying each person according to what they have done, as affirmed in [Romans 2:6](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6 - God Will Repay Each Person According to What They Have Done"). This verse serves to deepen our understanding of God's mysterious ways and His sovereign timing, reminding us that His ultimate, comprehensive judgment is reserved for the end times, as powerfully depicted in passages like [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Great White Throne Judgment"). It's a call to trust in God's perfect plan and His ultimate vindication of righteousness, even when it doesn't align with our immediate expectations of justice.

**What is the significance of the imagery of "breasts full of milk" and "bones moistened with marrow"?**

Answer: This imagery is highly significant, as it vividly portrays a state of peak physical health, abundant nourishment, and robust vitality. "His breasts are full of milk" (Hebrew: `ʻăṭîyn`, from H5845), often interpreted as milk pails or udders overflowing with milk, symbolizes an abundant supply of sustenance and prosperity, indicating that the wicked are not lacking in any material comfort or provision. It paints a picture of outward flourishing. "His bones are moistened with marrow" (Hebrew: `môach`, from H4221), referring to the rich, life-giving substance within the bones, signifies deep, internal strength, vigor, and freedom from debilitating illness. Together, these metaphors paint a comprehensive picture of complete, thriving well-being, emphasizing Job's argument that the wicked often enjoy a seemingly perfect physical existence, directly challenging the notion that sin automatically leads to physical decay or suffering. This imagery underscores the perplexing nature of the problem of evil and suffering that Job is grappling with.

**How does Job's perspective in this verse relate to other biblical teachings on prosperity and suffering?**

Answer: Job's perspective in Job 21:24 introduces a crucial nuance to the biblical discussion of prosperity and suffering. While the Old Testament often presents a general principle of covenant blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")), Job's experience and argument demonstrate that this principle is not an absolute, immediate, and universally observable formula in every individual's life. His view resonates with other passages that acknowledge the perplexing reality of the wicked prospering (e.g., [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah Questions the Prosperity of the Wicked"), [Malachi 3:15](/malachi/3-15 "Malachi 3:15 - The Proud are Called Happy")). The New Testament further develops this by shifting focus from earthly prosperity to spiritual blessings in Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and emphasizing the ultimate, eternal judgment and justice that will be fully realized in God's perfect timing, rather than always in the present age (e.g., [2 Peter 3:8-9](/2_peter/3-8 "2 Peter 3:8-9 - The Lord's Patience Delays Judgment")). Job's contribution is vital in preventing a simplistic, mechanistic, or overly prescriptive view of divine justice and providence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 21:24, with its stark depiction of the wicked's apparent prosperity and robust health, finds its ultimate resolution and profoundest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job wrestled with the seeming injustice of the unrighteous thriving, Christ perfectly embodied the righteous sufferer, enduring unimaginable pain, rejection, and ultimately, death on a cross, despite His sinless life ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). His suffering on the cross, far from being a sign of divine disfavor, was the ultimate act of divine love and justice, absorbing the wrath due to humanity for sin ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). The temporary "milk and marrow" of the wicked in Job's day pales in comparison to the eternal, true life and spiritual sustenance offered by Christ, who declared Himself to be the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water"). In Christ, the paradox of suffering and prosperity is resolved: true blessedness is found not in fleeting earthly abundance, but in union with Him, which brings eternal life and spiritual riches beyond measure ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Moreover, Christ's resurrection and future return assure us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and every deed will be brought to light before the [judgment seat of Christ](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ"), ensuring that the temporary flourishing of the wicked will give way to the perfect and eternal reign of the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords").

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

Proverbs 3:8

It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

Job 15:27

Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on [his] flanks.

Psalms 17:10

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.