Job 24:18

KJV

¶ He [is] swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.

KJV (with Strong's)

He is swift {H7031} as the waters {H6440}{H4325}; their portion {H2513} is cursed {H7043} in the earth {H776}: he beholdeth {H6437} not the way {H1870} of the vineyards {H3754}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"May they be scum on the surface of the water, may their share of land be cursed, may no one turn on the way of their vineyards,

Berean Standard Bible

They are but foam on the surface of the water; their portion of the land is cursed, so that no one turns toward their vineyards.

American Standard Version

Swiftly theypass awayupon the face of the waters; Their portion is cursed in the earth: They turn not into the way of the vineyards.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:18 is a poignant declaration within Job's impassioned discourse, confronting the perplexing reality of the wicked's apparent prosperity and affirming their ultimate, inevitable judgment. It vividly portrays their transient success as fleeting as rushing water, their earthly inheritance as divinely cursed, and their path as utterly devoid of true blessing, symbolized by the fruitful way of the vineyards. This verse serves as a powerful counterpoint to Job’s earlier laments about God’s seemingly delayed justice, asserting the certainty of divine retribution and the spiritual barrenness that characterizes those who reject God's ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, though scholarly debate exists regarding the speaker of verses 18-25. Assuming it is Job, these verses represent a crucial shift in his argument. Throughout much of the book, Job has wrestled profoundly with the problem of theodicy—why the righteous suffer while the wicked often appear to prosper. In the preceding verses of chapter 24, Job details the pervasive injustices committed by the ungodly: they remove landmarks, seize livestock, oppress the poor, and commit violence, yet seemingly escape immediate divine retribution. Verse 18, however, marks a transition from describing their current impunity to prophesying their swift and certain downfall, offering a resolution to his own deep frustration and a reaffirmation of divine justice, albeit one that is often delayed from a human perspective. This shift indicates Job's wrestling toward a deeper understanding of God's ultimate moral governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of divine justice was often deeply intertwined with the immediate, temporal consequences of actions, with prosperity expected for the righteous and swift calamity for the wicked. Job's struggle highlights the profound tension when this expectation is not met in observable reality. The imagery in Job 24:18 draws from common agricultural and natural observations of the time. "Waters" could represent both life-giving sustenance and destructive floods, here conveying rapid movement and instability. "Portion in the earth" refers to one's inheritance or lot, a crucial concept in a society tied to land and lineage, signifying one's share of blessing or curse. "Vineyards" were potent symbols of blessing, peace, prosperity, and the fruit of righteous labor (e.g., [the Song of the Vineyard in Isaiah](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard")), often representing God's covenant favor and the abundance of the promised land. To "behold not the way of the vineyards" signifies exclusion from this divine favor and true flourishing, indicating a spiritual barrenness that contrasts sharply with the expected fruitfulness of a blessed life.
* **Key Themes:** Job 24:18 powerfully contributes to several key themes woven throughout the book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it directly confronts the **Problem of Theodicy**, challenging the apparent prosperity of the wicked and asserting that their success is ultimately transient and illusory. Secondly, it underscores the **Certainty of Divine Justice**, even if it appears delayed from a human vantage point. The verse declares that God's moral order will ultimately prevail, and the wicked will not escape their deserved judgment, a theme echoed profoundly in [Psalm 73](/psalm/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), where the psalmist likewise struggles with, then understands, the ultimate end of the wicked. Thirdly, the phrase "swift as the waters" highlights the **Fleeting Nature of Wicked Prosperity**, emphasizing its impermanence and instability. Finally, "he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards" speaks to the **Spiritual Barrenness and Exclusion** of the wicked from true blessing and God's favor, contrasting sharply with the path of the righteous described in [Psalm 1](/psalm/1 "Psalm 1 - The Way of the Righteous and the Ungodly"), whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who are like trees planted by streams of water.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swift (Hebrew, _qal'_):** Derived from a root meaning "light," this word conveys a sense of rapid movement, agility, or being easily carried away. In Job 24:18, it powerfully describes the impermanence and instability of the wicked's position. Their apparent strength or success is not rooted in substance but is like something easily swept away by a current, emphasizing their lack of firm foundation and inevitable downfall. It suggests a superficiality that cannot withstand the test of time or divine judgment.
* **Cursed (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to be light" or "to make light," but in its figurative sense, it extends to "trifling," "vile," or "to bring into contempt," and thus "to curse." In this context, it signifies a strong, binding declaration of evil or misfortune upon someone or something. It indicates that the "portion" or inheritance of the wicked is not merely unfortunate but is actively under a divine pronouncement of condemnation, ensuring their ultimate ruin and separation from true blessing.
* **Beholdeth not (Hebrew, _pânâh'_):** While the KJV translates this as "beholdeth not," the underlying Hebrew root _pânâh_ means "to turn," "to face," or "to look." The negative construction "he beholdeth not" (or "he does not turn towards") suggests either a deliberate turning away from the proper path or a divinely imposed blindness that prevents the wicked from discerning or accessing the way of true blessing. It highlights their profound spiritual estrangement and their inability to perceive or walk in God's favored path, leading to their exclusion from genuine flourishing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He [is] swift as the waters":** This opening clause introduces a powerful **simile**, comparing the wicked individual to something that moves rapidly and unstably like water. It implies that any success, security, or prominence they attain is superficial and transient. Just as a swift current carries things away, so too will the wicked be swept away from their temporary gains and apparent stability, leading to a rapid and inevitable descent into ruin. Their prosperity lacks the enduring quality of true blessing.
* **"their portion is cursed in the earth":** This declares a definitive and severe judgment upon the wicked. "Their portion" refers to their inheritance, their lot in life, or everything they acquire and possess on earth. To be "cursed in the earth" means that their very existence, their gains, and their destiny are under a divine pronouncement of condemnation. Despite any temporary prosperity, their foundation is rotten, and their ultimate end is one of divine disfavor and destruction, not blessing. This curse is not a mere human wish but a decree from God that ensures their ultimate ruin.
* **"he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards":** This highly symbolic clause signifies the wicked's profound spiritual separation and exclusion from true blessing. Vineyards, throughout biblical literature, represent prosperity, peace, fruitfulness, and divine favor. By not "beholding" or turning towards this "way," the wicked are either willfully ignorant of the path of righteousness and true life, or they are divinely cut off from it. They are removed from places of peace and fruitful living, indicating their spiritual barrenness and ultimate exclusion from God's favor and the blessings that come from walking in His ways. Their path is one of spiritual desolation, devoid of the true fruitfulness found in God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:18 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "swift as the waters," which vividly compares the transient nature of the wicked's prosperity to the rapid, unstable flow of water. This creates a strong visual image of impermanence and inevitable downfall. **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse: "waters" symbolize instability and potential destruction; "portion" represents one's destiny or inheritance; and "vineyards" are powerful symbols of blessing, prosperity, and divine favor. The entire verse functions as a form of **Imagery**, painting a stark picture of the wicked's ultimate fate through concrete, relatable terms. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the apparent, temporary success of the wicked and their divinely ordained, cursed end, as well as a contrast between their path and the "way of the vineyards," which represents the path of righteousness and true blessing, highlighting the divergent destinies of the righteous and the unrighteous.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:18 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that divine justice, though sometimes delayed from a human perspective, is ultimately certain and absolute. It challenges the common human tendency to despair or envy when the wicked appear to prosper, asserting that their gains are superficial and fleeting. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over the earth and His moral order, affirming that He will not allow unrighteousness to triumph indefinitely. It serves as a reminder that true blessing and lasting prosperity are found not in worldly accumulation or unrighteous gain, but in walking in God's ways, which lead to spiritual fruitfulness and eternal favor, contrasting sharply with the cursed portion of those who reject Him. This passage offers a profound theological comfort, reassuring believers that God's justice will prevail, and a stern warning that the path of wickedness leads only to ultimate barrenness and judgment.

* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalm/73-18-20 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Wicked's Slippery Places and Sudden Ruin")
* [Proverbs 10:29](/proverbs/10-29 "Proverbs 10:29 - The Way of the Lord is Strength to the Upright")
* [Matthew 7:13-14](/matthew/7-13-14 "Matthew 7:13-14 - The Narrow and Wide Gates")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:18 offers both profound comfort and a sobering warning for contemporary believers. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and the ungodly appear to flourish, this verse provides an anchor of hope, reminding us that God's ultimate judgment is sure and that the prosperity of the wicked is but a fleeting illusion. It calls us to resist the temptation to envy their temporary gains or to question God's justice based on immediate circumstances. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, understanding that His perspective transcends our limited temporal view. For those who might be tempted to compromise their integrity for worldly success, the verse serves as a stark warning: the "portion" gained through unrighteousness is ultimately "cursed," leading not to true fulfillment but to spiritual barrenness and ruin. Our task is to diligently "behold the way of the vineyards"—to pursue the path of righteousness, obedience, and spiritual fruitfulness, knowing that this is where true and lasting blessing resides, regardless of present appearances. This verse compels us to align our hearts with God's eternal justice rather than the world's fleeting standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 24:18 challenge your perspective on apparent injustices in the world today, particularly when the wicked seem to prosper?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be tempted to envy the "swiftness" or temporary gains of those who do not follow God's ways?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more faithfully "behold the way of the vineyards" in your daily decisions and pursuits, prioritizing spiritual fruitfulness over worldly success?**

### FAQ
**Is Job 24:18 a universal prophecy or specific to Job's context?**

Answer: While rooted in Job's personal struggle with the problem of suffering and divine justice, the theological assertions and vivid imagery of Job 24:18 resonate far beyond Job's immediate context. It articulates a universal principle about the transient nature of unrighteous prosperity and the certainty of divine judgment, a truth echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments. The "swiftness" of the wicked's downfall and their "cursed portion" are foundational tenets of God's moral governance, applicable to all who reject His ways. It is a timeless declaration of God's ultimate triumph over evil, even when it appears to flourish for a season, reinforcing themes found in passages like [Psalm 37](/psalm/37 "Psalm 37 - Do Not Fret Because of Evildoers") and [Psalm 92](/psalm/92 "Psalm 92 - It is Good to Give Thanks to the Lord").

**What is the significance of "vineyards" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical literature, vineyards are rich symbols of blessing, prosperity, peace, and the fruit of righteous labor. They often represent God's covenant favor and the abundance He bestows upon His people (e.g., [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5 "Isaiah 5 - The Song of the Vineyard"), [Psalm 128:3](/psalm/128-3 "Psalm 128:3 - Your Wife Like a Fruitful Vine")). When Job 24:18 states that the wicked "beholdeth not the way of the vineyards," it signifies their profound spiritual barrenness and their exclusion from true, lasting blessing. They are either willfully ignorant of, or divinely cut off from, the path that leads to genuine flourishing and God's favor. Their pursuit of unrighteous gain leads them away from the very source of life and peace, leaving them without true spiritual fruit or a blessed inheritance. This imagery powerfully contrasts the barrenness of the wicked's path with the abundant life found in God's ways, which are likened to a fruitful vine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:18, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's transient prosperity and cursed portion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job wrestled with the delayed justice of God, Christ's first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, and His second coming will bring about its full and final manifestation of justice. Jesus himself declared, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus the True Vine")), thereby identifying Himself as the ultimate "vineyard"—the source of all true life, blessing, and spiritual fruitfulness. Those who who are "in Christ" are grafted into this true vine ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")), receiving a portion that is eternally blessed, not cursed. Furthermore, Christ bore the ultimate curse of sin on the cross, becoming a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), thereby transforming the "cursed portion" of humanity into a blessed inheritance for all who believe. The "swiftness" of the wicked's downfall foreshadows the certain judgment Christ will execute at His return, when all will stand before the Great White Throne ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")), and the sheep will be separated from the goats ([Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25:31-46 - The Judgment of the Nations")). Thus, Job's lament finds its answer in the Lord Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), offering the true "way of the vineyards" to all who follow Him.

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

Isaiah 23:10

Pass through thy land as a river, O daughter of Tarshish: [there is] no more strength.

Psalms 69:22

¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

Job 22:16

Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:

Proverbs 3:33

The curse of the LORD [is] in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.

Malachi 2:2

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart.

Psalms 58:7

Let them melt away as waters [which] run continually: [when] he bendeth [his bow to shoot] his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

Job 9:26

They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle [that] hasteth to the prey.