Job 24:19

KJV

Drought and heat consume the snow waters: [so doth] the grave [those which] have sinned.

KJV (with Strong's)

Drought {H6723} and heat {H2527} consume {H1497} the snow {H7950} waters {H4325}: so doth the grave {H7585} those which have sinned {H2398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

may drought and heat steal away their snow water and Sh'ol those who have sinned.

Berean Standard Bible

As drought and heat consume the melting snow, so Sheol steals those who have sinned.

American Standard Version

Drought and heat consume the snow waters: So dothSheolthose thathave sinned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:19 presents a stark simile, contrasting the transient nature of snow waters consumed by drought and heat with the inevitable fate of sinners consumed by the grave. In a chapter where Job laments the apparent prosperity and impunity of the wicked, this verse serves as a sober declaration of ultimate justice, asserting that death is the inescapable equalizer that finally claims those who persist in defiance of God, regardless of their earthly success or delayed reckoning.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24 is situated within Job's third cycle of speeches, a period marked by his intense struggle to reconcile divine justice with the observable reality of the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer. Throughout this chapter, Job articulates a profound lament, detailing various acts of oppression, theft, and violence committed by the ungodly that seem to go unpunished in the immediate term. He describes how the wicked operate in darkness, exploiting the vulnerable and defying moral order without apparent consequence. Verse 19, therefore, stands as a pivotal statement within this lament. It is Job's own assertion, perhaps a moment of returning to a more traditional understanding of justice, or a declaration that even if immediate retribution is absent, the ultimate fate of the wicked—death and the grave—is certain and inescapable. It shifts the focus from *when* justice is meted out to the *inevitability* of its final manifestation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job reflects the ancient Near Eastern (ANE) wisdom tradition, which often linked prosperity to righteousness and suffering to sin. This conventional wisdom is precisely what Job and his friends are debating. The imagery in Job 24:19—"drought and heat consume the snow waters"—is deeply rooted in the geographical and climatic realities of the ancient Near East, where water, particularly from melting snow in mountainous regions, was a precious but often fleeting resource in an arid land. The concept of "the grave" (Hebrew: `Sheol`) in the Old Testament refers to the common realm of the dead, a shadowy underworld where all, righteous and wicked, eventually descend. While not a place of immediate torment in the same way as later theological developments, `Sheol` represented the cessation of earthly life, power, and influence. For the wicked, entering `Sheol` signified the end of their earthly rebellion and the ultimate cessation of their perceived impunity.
* **Key Themes:** Job 24:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Inevitable Judgment** that awaits all humanity, particularly those who live in persistent sin. Despite Job's perplexity regarding delayed justice, this verse affirms that the finality of death serves as an ultimate judgment for the wicked, consuming them just as natural forces consume water. Secondly, it highlights **Mortality and Finality**, emphasizing the universal truth that death is the ultimate end of all earthly life and endeavors. For the ungodly, the grave marks the definitive conclusion of their defiance and the beginning of accountability, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of their earthly success, as seen in [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The End of the Wicked"). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Consequences of Sin**, reinforcing the biblical principle that sin ultimately leads to death and a reckoning, echoing the declaration in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Finally, even amidst Job's wrestling with the problem of evil, this verse subtly reaffirms the belief in **Ultimate Divine Justice**, suggesting that God's righteousness will ultimately prevail, even if its manifestation is through the finality of death rather than immediate earthly retribution.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consume (Hebrew, _yigzelu'_):** The Hebrew verb יִגְזְלוּ (_yigzelu_), translated "consume" in the KJV, carries a strong connotation of "to rob," "to plunder," or "to take away by force." This is not a gentle fading but a violent, absolute appropriation. When applied to "drought and heat consuming snow waters," it vividly describes the aggressive evaporation that strips away the life-giving moisture. When applied to the grave consuming sinners, it emphasizes the absolute and inescapable power of death to seize and strip away the life and perceived power of the wicked, leaving nothing behind.
* **Snow Waters (Hebrew, _mei sheleg'_):** The phrase מֵי שֶׁלֶג (_mei sheleg_) refers to water derived from melting snow, typically in the mountains. In an arid region like the ancient Near East, such waters would be a vital but highly transient source of refreshment and irrigation, easily evaporated by intense heat and drought. This imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the fleeting and temporary nature of human life, particularly the prosperity and influence of the wicked, which, like the snow waters, are destined to vanish completely.
* **Grave (Hebrew, _sheol'_):** The Hebrew word שְׁאוֹל (_sheol_) refers to the common abode of the dead, the underworld or realm of departed spirits. In the Old Testament, it is depicted as a shadowy, silent place from which there is no return, a place where all earthly distinctions and activities cease. While all eventually descend to `Sheol`, the context here specifically highlights its role in "consuming" those who have sinned, implying that for the wicked, `Sheol` represents the ultimate and final cessation of their rebellion and the inescapable end of their earthly defiance, where their perceived power and impunity are utterly extinguished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Drought and heat consume the snow waters":** This initial clause establishes a vivid natural simile. "Drought" (צִיָּה, _tsiyyah_) and "heat" (חֹם, _chom_) are personified as active, destructive agents. They aggressively "consume" (יִגְזְלוּ, _yigzelu_ – rob, plunder) the "snow waters" (מֵי שֶׁלֶג, _mei sheleg_), which represent a temporary, fleeting, yet vital source of life. This imagery paints a picture of complete and irreversible desiccation, where a precious resource vanishes without a trace under the relentless power of natural forces. It sets the stage for the comparison, illustrating an absolute and undeniable end.
* **"so doth the grave [those which] have sinned":** This second clause completes the simile, drawing a direct parallel between the natural phenomenon and the fate of the wicked. Just as drought and heat relentlessly consume snow waters, so too does "the grave" (שְׁאוֹל, _sheol_) consume "those which have sinned." The grave is depicted as an equally relentless and inescapable force that strips away the life, power, and earthly existence of those who have lived in defiance of God. This emphasizes the ultimate and certain end that awaits the wicked, regardless of their temporary prosperity or apparent impunity. Their earthly rebellion and perceived success are ultimately swallowed by the finality of death, leaving no trace behind.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:19 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of natural forces at work. The descriptors "drought and heat" evoke a parched, desolate landscape, while "snow waters" bring to mind a fleeting, precious resource. The central **Simile** is the most prominent device, explicitly comparing the consumption of snow waters by natural elements to the consumption of sinners by the grave. This comparison underscores the inevitability and completeness of the end. The verb "consume" (יִגְזְלוּ), which can also mean "to rob" or "to plunder," lends a sense of **Personification** to both drought/heat and the grave, portraying them as active, aggressive agents that forcefully take away life and existence. Furthermore, the "snow waters" function as a **Metaphor** for the transient and ephemeral nature of human life and the temporary prosperity of the wicked, highlighting their ultimate impermanence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:19 serves as a profound theological statement within Job's complex discourse on divine justice. While Job grapples with the *timing* and *visibility* of God's justice, this verse affirms its *certainty*. It underscores the universal truth of human mortality and the ultimate accountability that awaits all, especially those who persist in sin. The grave, as the final equalizer, consumes the wicked, bringing an end to their earthly defiance and apparent impunity. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that death is the ultimate consequence of sin, a reality that no human can escape. It reminds us that while God's ways may seem inscrutable or His justice delayed in the short term, His ultimate decree is absolute and will be fulfilled.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")
* [Psalm 73:18-20](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-20 - The Slippery Slope of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:19 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful perspective for those who struggle with the apparent injustice of the world. In moments when the wicked seem to flourish and the righteous suffer, this verse reminds us that earthly success is fleeting, and the grave awaits all. For the unrepentant sinner, it signifies the end of their rebellion and the beginning of ultimate accountability. This truth should prompt a deep introspection: if the grave is the final destination for all earthly life, what then is our eternal destiny? It urges us to consider the brevity of life and the urgency of aligning our lives with God's will, not merely for earthly reward, but for an eternal hope that transcends the grave. Believers are called to trust in God's perfect timing and ultimate justice, knowing that true justice will prevail, even if it is not always immediately evident in this life. We are to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our ultimate hope lies beyond the transient realities of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "drought and heat consuming snow waters" challenge my perception of what is truly lasting and valuable in life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to envy the apparent success of those who disregard God, and how does this verse reorient my perspective?**
* **If the grave is the ultimate equalizer for all, what steps should I take today to ensure my eternal destiny is secure in Christ?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's ultimate justice, even when immediate justice is not visible?**

### FAQ
**Why does Job, who often laments the lack of immediate justice, make such a definitive statement about the grave consuming sinners?**

Answer: Job's discourse throughout the book is a wrestling match with the problem of evil and divine justice. While he frequently questions *why* the wicked prosper and *when* God will intervene, Job 24:19 represents his acknowledgment of an *ultimate* and *inescapable* form of justice. It's not a contradiction but a statement that, regardless of earthly delays or apparent impunity, the finality of death (the grave, or `Sheol`) is certain for all, and for the wicked, it marks the definitive end of their rebellion and perceived success. Job is asserting that even if God's justice isn't always swift or visible in this life, it is absolutely certain in the end, as death will claim everyone, including those who have sinned. It underscores the universal truth of mortality and the limits of earthly power.

**How does this Old Testament understanding of the "grave" (Sheol) relate to the New Testament concept of death and judgment?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, `Sheol` (the "grave" here) is generally understood as the common realm of the dead, a shadowy place where all departed souls go, without a clear distinction of reward or punishment. Job 24:19 emphasizes its consuming power, particularly for the wicked, signifying the end of their earthly defiance. The New Testament expands upon this understanding significantly. While physical death remains universal, the New Testament introduces the concepts of spiritual death (separation from God due to sin) and eternal judgment. For those who reject God, physical death leads to eternal separation and judgment ([Matthew 25:46](/matthew/25-46 "Matthew 25:46 - Eternal Punishment")). However, for believers in Christ, physical death is transformed from a final consumption into a transition to eternal life with God ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The New Testament declares that Christ has conquered death and the grave, offering victory to those who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, while the physical reality of the grave remains, its ultimate power over the believer is broken through Christ's resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:19, with its stark declaration that "drought and heat consume the snow waters: so doth the grave [those which] have sinned," powerfully foreshadows the ultimate consequence of sin: death. While the Old Testament concept of the grave (`Sheol`) was a universal destination, it particularly highlighted the finality and cessation of life for the wicked. However, this grim reality finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), entered into the very realm of death and conquered it. He tasted death for every human being ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death")), not because of His own sin, but to bear the wages of ours ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). His resurrection from the dead is the ultimate answer to the consuming power of the grave described in Job. Through His victory, death no longer has the final word for those who believe in Him; rather, it becomes a doorway to eternal life. He is the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), offering freedom from the grave's consumption and the promise that though we die, yet shall we live ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the ultimate judgment of the grave for sinners is transformed for believers into a passage to glory, all because of Christ's triumph over sin and death.

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

Job 21:13

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave.

Psalms 49:14

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 12:20

But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Proverbs 14:32

¶ The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

Ecclesiastes 9:4

¶ For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Ecclesiastes 9:6

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any [thing] that is done under the sun.