Job 24:6

KJV

They reap [every one] his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked.

KJV (with Strong's)

They reap {H7114}{H7114} every one his corn {H1098} in the field {H7704}: and they gather {H3953} the vintage {H3754} of the wicked {H7563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They must reap in fields that are not their own and gather late grapes in the vineyards of the wicked.

Berean Standard Bible

They gather fodder in the fields and glean the vineyards of the wicked.

American Standard Version

They cut their provender in the field; And they glean the vintage of the wicked.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 24:6 presents a stark and unsettling observation within Job's impassioned discourse, highlighting the perplexing reality that the wicked often appear to flourish, enjoying the fruits of their labor—or, more accurately, the fruits of their injustice—without immediate divine intervention or consequence. This verse encapsulates Job's central challenge to the conventional wisdom of his friends, who rigidly assert that prosperity is a direct sign of righteousness and suffering an immediate result of sin. Instead, Job paints a picture of a world where the unrighteous "reap their corn" and "gather the vintage," seemingly blessed and undisturbed, thereby deepening the profound theological dilemma of God's justice in the face of widespread evil and suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 24:6 is situated within Job's fourth and final response (chapters 21-24) to his three friends, particularly Bildad, whose simplistic retribution theology Job has consistently and vehemently refuted. Throughout this section, Job passionately argues that, contrary to their assertions, the wicked often thrive, live long lives, and die peacefully, while the righteous suffer unjustly. Chapter 24 specifically details various acts of social injustice committed by the wicked—such as moving boundary markers, stealing from the poor, and oppressing the vulnerable (e.g., [Job 24:2](/job/24-2 "Job 24:2 - Moving Boundary Markers") and [Job 24:4](/job/24-4 "Job 24:4 - Oppression of the Poor"))—culminating in verses like 24:6 which vividly illustrate their apparent success and enjoyment of ill-gotten gains. This verse serves as a concrete, agricultural example of the prosperity Job observes among the unrighteous, directly contradicting the theological framework of his interlocutors and intensifying the book's central dilemma.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was an agrarian society where "corn" (grain) and "vintage" (grape harvest) were not merely commodities but fundamental indicators of wealth, sustenance, and divine blessing. The ability to successfully "reap" and "gather" one's harvest was essential for survival and a primary sign of prosperity. Land ownership, often demarcated by boundary stones, was sacred, and tampering with them was a grave offense, frequently leading to the dispossession of the poor and vulnerable. The imagery in [Job 24](/job/24 "Job 24 - The Prosperity of the Wicked") draws on these deeply familiar agricultural practices. The "vintage of the wicked" would have been particularly jarring, as the grape harvest was a time of communal joy, celebration, and abundance. For such bounty to be explicitly associated with the wicked underscores Job's point: these individuals are not just surviving but flourishing, seemingly enjoying the very blessings traditionally understood as God's reward for the righteous. This observation profoundly challenges the deeply ingrained cultural understanding of divine justice operating visibly and immediately in the earthly realm.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Job 24:6](/job/24-6 "Job 24:6 - The Wicked's Harvest") and throughout Job's discourse is the **Prosperity of the Wicked**. Job observes that the unrighteous often thrive materially and enjoy the fruits of their labor, even if acquired through illicit means, directly contradicting the simplistic retribution theology espoused by his friends (cf. [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalms/73-3-12 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Psalmist's Struggle with the Prosperity of the Wicked")). This leads to the theme of **Injustice and Exploitation**, as the "corn" and "vintage" gathered by the wicked are implied to be the result of their oppressive practices, either directly harvested from stolen fields or representing the general prosperity they achieve through their unrighteousness. Underlying these observations is the profound theological problem of **Divine Delay** or **Theodicy**—Job's struggle with God's apparent inaction in the face of widespread injustice. He sees the wicked flourishing and questions why divine judgment is not swift and visible, echoing the cries of other biblical figures who wrestled with God's timing and justice (e.g., [Habakkuk 1:2-4](/habakkuk/1-2-4 "Habakkuk 1:2-4 - Habakkuk's Lament")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Corn (Hebrew, _bᵉlîyl'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "mixed," refers to mixed feed, fodder, or provender, often specifically for cattle, but in this context, it broadly signifies grain or produce. As a staple crop, "corn" represents basic sustenance and the foundational element of agricultural prosperity in the ancient Near East. Its mention here indicates that the wicked are securing their fundamental needs.
* **Gather (Hebrew, _lâqash'_):** A primitive root meaning "to gather the after crop." This term specifically refers to the gleaning or gathering of what remains after the main harvest. While the primary harvest signifies abundance, the act of "gathering" the after-crop by the wicked could imply either their thoroughness in exploiting resources or perhaps a subtle hint at their taking even what rightfully belongs to the poor (who traditionally glean). In context, it underscores their complete appropriation of agricultural bounty.
* **Vintage (Hebrew, _kerem'_):** From an unused root of uncertain meaning, this word refers to a garden or vineyard, and by extension, the produce of the vineyard or the grape harvest itself. Unlike "corn," which is a staple, "vintage" often symbolizes abundance, luxury, and celebration. The gathering of the vintage implies not just survival but a surplus, a rich bounty, and the enjoyment of life's finer provisions. Its inclusion alongside "corn" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the wicked's apparent prosperity, extending beyond mere subsistence to true affluence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They reap [every one] his corn in the field:"** This initial clause describes an act of agricultural labor and its reward, which on the surface appears normal and even rightful. The phrase "every one his corn" suggests individual ownership and the expected outcome of one's efforts. However, the preceding verses and the overarching context of Job 24 make it clear that "they" refers to the wicked, those who commit injustices and exploit the vulnerable. Thus, the apparent normality of their harvest is deeply ironic, implying that these unrighteous individuals are enjoying the fruits of their labor, whether legitimately earned or, more likely given the context of the chapter, acquired through exploitation, theft, and the displacement of the poor, all without immediate divine reprisal.
* **"and they gather the vintage of the wicked."** This second clause reinforces and intensifies the observation made in the first. The direct attribution "of the wicked" to the "vintage" is crucial. It can mean either "the vintage *belonging to* the wicked" or "the vintage *produced by* the wicked" (through their unjust means). Either way, it explicitly links the rich harvest of grapes—a symbol of abundance, joy, and celebration—to the unrighteous. This further highlights Job's perplexing observation: not only do the wicked secure their basic needs ("corn"), but they also enjoy lavish prosperity ("vintage"), directly challenging the idea that God swiftly punishes evil with deprivation and that only the righteous enjoy such bounty.

#### Literary Devices
Job 24:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its challenging message. **Irony** is central, as the verse describes the wicked engaging in acts of harvest and enjoying abundance, which in the biblical worldview are typically associated with divine blessing for the righteous. This creates a stark contrast between what *should be* (wicked punished, righteous blessed) and what *is* (wicked prospering). **Juxtaposition** is also evident, as the seemingly mundane and legitimate acts of "reaping" and "gathering" are placed in direct opposition to the character of the actors—"the wicked." This highlights the moral dissonance and the perplexing reality Job grapples with. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is at play, with "corn" and "vintage" serving as powerful symbols of sustenance, prosperity, and the fullness of life. By associating these symbols with the wicked, Job underscores the depth of the injustice and the apparent absence of immediate divine accountability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 24:6 contributes significantly to the book's overarching theological discourse on theodicy—the question of God's justice in a world filled with suffering and evil. Job's observation that the wicked prosper challenges the prevailing Deuteronomic theology, which promised immediate blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. This verse forces a confrontation with the reality that God's justice is not always immediate or visible in human terms, prompting profound questions about divine sovereignty, patience, and the timing of judgment. It underscores a tension found throughout Scripture: how can a just and powerful God allow such injustice to flourish, and how should the righteous respond when the wicked seem to thrive? This tension is ultimately resolved not through simplistic answers, but through a deeper understanding of God's character and His ultimate, though often delayed, redemptive and judgmental purposes, often pointing to an eschatological resolution.

* [Psalm 73:3-12](/psalms/73-3-12 "Psalm 73:3-12 - The Psalmist's Struggle with the Prosperity of the Wicked")
* [Jeremiah 12:1-2](/jeremiah/12-1-2 "Jeremiah 12:1-2 - Jeremiah's Complaint about the Wicked's Prosperity")
* [Malachi 3:13-15](/malachi/3-13-15 "Malachi 3:13-15 - The Arrogant Prosper")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 24:6 serves as a sobering reminder that the world often does not operate according to our ideal sense of immediate justice. The wicked may indeed prosper for a time, enjoying material success and apparent ease, which can be deeply unsettling for those who strive to live righteously. This verse challenges us to look beyond superficial appearances and simplistic theological formulas, encouraging us to trust in God's ultimate justice, even when it is not immediately evident or when our human understanding of fairness is violated. It compels us to recognize that outward material success is not always an indicator of divine favor or righteousness. Instead, true prosperity is often contrasted in Scripture with enduring spiritual blessings, a right relationship with God, and the eternal hope that transcends temporal circumstances. Despite seeing injustice prevail, the believer is called to maintain integrity, faithfulness, and a steadfast reliance on God's character, knowing that He sees all and will ultimately set things right in His perfect timing. Our faith is not in a system of immediate retribution, but in a sovereign God who is just and good, and whose final judgment is certain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically react when you observe the wicked prospering while the righteous suffer?**
* **What does Job 24:6 teach us about the limitations of a purely retributive theology of immediate rewards and punishments?**
* **In what ways might our definition of "prosperity" need to be re-evaluated in light of this verse and broader biblical teaching?**
* **How can we maintain faith and integrity when God's justice seems delayed or hidden?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 24:6 imply that God approves of the wicked's actions or their prosperity?**

Answer: No, Job 24:6 does not imply God's approval of the wicked's actions or their prosperity. Instead, it is Job's lament and observation of a perplexing reality. Job is struggling with the apparent disconnect between God's known justice and the visible state of the world. The verse highlights God's patience and long-suffering, allowing the wicked to continue in their ways and even enjoy material success for a season. This patience, however, is not approval. Throughout the Bible, God's ultimate judgment against wickedness is clear, even if it is not immediate (e.g., [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment")). Job's entire argument is a cry for God to act, precisely because the current state of affairs seems to contradict divine justice. The temporary nature of this prosperity is often emphasized in other biblical texts, even if not explicitly stated here.

**How does Job's observation in 24:6 relate to other biblical passages about the prosperity of the wicked?**

Answer: Job's observation in [Job 24:6](/job/24-6 "Job 24:6 - The Wicked's Harvest") resonates deeply with other biblical passages that grapple with the same theological dilemma. Perhaps the most famous is [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked"), where the psalmist confesses his own struggle and near stumble when he saw the prosperity of the wicked. Like Job, he notes their ease, health, and lack of trouble, which causes him great distress until he enters the sanctuary of God and understands their ultimate, often sudden, end. Similarly, [Jeremiah 12:1-2](/jeremiah/12-1-2 "Jeremiah 12:1-2 - Jeremiah's Complaint") sees the prophet asking why the way of the wicked prospers. These passages collectively affirm that the prosperity of the wicked is a real and unsettling phenomenon that challenges human understanding of divine justice, but they also consistently point to God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of future judgment, often in the eschatological sense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 24:6, with its stark portrayal of the wicked's earthly prosperity and the apparent delay of divine justice, finds its profoundest Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The problem of theodicy, so acutely felt by Job, is not merely answered by a philosophical explanation but by God entering into human suffering Himself. Jesus, the Son of God, experienced the ultimate injustice, suffering and dying a criminal's death despite being perfectly righteous ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). His crucifixion, a moment of profound cosmic injustice, demonstrates that God does not always intervene immediately to prevent evil, but rather, in Christ, He fully identifies with the suffering of the innocent. Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead serves as God's definitive vindication of righteousness and the promise of ultimate justice. While the wicked may "reap their corn" and "gather the vintage" in this life, Christ's return will usher in a new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")) and every injustice will be set right. The temporary prosperity of the wicked is ultimately overshadowed by the eternal kingdom established through Christ, where true and lasting abundance is found not in material gains, but in a right relationship with God and the glorious inheritance of the saints ([Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheritance of the Saints")). Through Christ, the perplexing reality of [Job 24:6](/job/24-6 "Job 24:6 - The Wicked's Harvest") is transformed into a call for patient endurance, confident hope, and unwavering faith in a God whose justice is perfectly revealed in the Lamb who was slain and who is to come again ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Return and Reward")).

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

Micah 6:15

Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.

Judges 6:3

And [so] it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east, even they came up against them;

Judges 6:6

And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.

Deuteronomy 28:51

And he shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until thou be destroyed: which [also] shall not leave thee [either] corn, wine, or oil, [or] the increase of thy kine, or flocks of thy sheep, until he have destroyed thee.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway: