Job 27:14

KJV

If his children be multiplied, [it is] for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

KJV (with Strong's)

If his children {H1121} be multiplied {H7235}, it is for {H3926} the sword {H2719}: and his offspring {H6631} shall not be satisfied {H7646} with bread {H3899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

if his sons become many, they go to the sword; and his children never have enough to eat.

Berean Standard Bible

Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food.

American Standard Version

If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword; And his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 27:14, situated within Job's final and fervent monologue, articulates a stark and sobering consequence for the wicked: their progeny, even if numerous, are destined for violent ends and severe destitution. This declaration serves as Job's unwavering assertion of divine justice, contrasting with the simplistic retribution theology of his friends, by emphasizing that while the wicked may appear to prosper temporarily, their ultimate fate and that of their descendants is one of ruin and deprivation, orchestrated by a just God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27 marks a pivotal point in Job’s final discourse (chapters 27-31), where he reasserts his integrity and defends his understanding of God's justice against the accusations of his three friends. After the friends have exhausted their arguments, Job takes the floor for an extended monologue, swearing by God that he will maintain his righteousness until death ([Job 27:2-6](/job/27-2 "Job 27:2-6 - Job's Oath of Integrity")). In the latter half of chapter 27, beginning around verse 7, Job shifts from defending himself to describing the grim destiny of the wicked, perhaps to demonstrate that he, unlike his friends, acknowledges divine retribution, but that it often unfolds differently than human expectation. Job 27:14 specifically details the generational impact of this judgment, serving as a powerful counterpoint to the friends' insistence that Job's personal suffering must be a direct result of his sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a large family and numerous offspring was considered a profound blessing and a sign of divine favor, ensuring the continuation of one's lineage and legacy ([Psalm 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children as a Heritage")). Conversely, the destruction or deprivation of one's descendants was viewed as a severe curse and a profound tragedy. The "sword" (חֶרֶב, _ḥerev'_) was a ubiquitous instrument of warfare and execution, symbolizing violent death and divine judgment in a world where conflict was common. "Bread" (לֶחֶם, _leḥem'_) was the staple of life, and its lack signified utter destitution, famine, and a complete absence of basic provision. Job's statements reflect a societal understanding where the well-being of one's progeny was paramount, making the described fate for the wicked's children particularly devastating.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Primarily, it underscores the **Consequences of Wickedness**, asserting that a life of unrighteousness inevitably leads to severe, often violent, and destitution-filled outcomes, even if not immediately apparent. It also highlights **Divine Judgment**, implicitly affirming that God does not overlook evil indefinitely, and that His justice, though mysterious, will ultimately prevail. A particularly sobering aspect is the theme of **Generational Impact**, where the suffering extends to the "children" and "offspring," reflecting a biblical principle that the consequences of sin can indeed affect future generations, though this is always balanced by the emphasis on individual accountability before God ([Ezekiel 18:20](/zekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility")). Finally, by describing the wicked's fate, Job subtly reinforces the theme of **Contrast with Righteousness**, implicitly demonstrating his own blamelessness and trust in God's ultimate fairness, despite his inexplicable suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _ḥerev'_):** This term is a powerful and frequently used metaphor in the Old Testament for violent destruction, war, divine retribution, and the instrument of God's judgment. Its inclusion here emphasizes a violent, often premature, and devastating end for the offspring of the wicked, signifying not just death, but a catastrophic and often public demise.
* **Satisfied (Hebrew, _śābēaʿ'_):** This verb means "to be full," "to be satisfied," or "to have enough." When negated ("shall not be satisfied"), it indicates a profound and enduring lack, a chronic state of hunger, poverty, and deprivation. It's not merely a temporary discomfort but a persistent and debilitating want of basic sustenance, painting a picture of utter ruin and misery.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If his children be multiplied":** This opening clause sets up a powerful irony. In ancient Israelite culture, a numerous progeny was a sign of blessing and prosperity. Job acknowledges that the wicked might indeed have many children, suggesting that outward appearances of success or blessing can be deceptive. This highlights the temporary nature of the wicked's prosperity, which often leads to a false sense of security.
* **"[it is] for the sword":** This phrase immediately shatters the illusion of blessing. Despite their multiplication, the children's destiny is violent destruction. The "sword" here symbolizes a catastrophic, often bloody, end, implying that their very numbers make them targets or that their abundance leads to conflict and ruin. It signifies a divine decree of judgment against the wicked, extending to their lineage.
* **"and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread":** This second clause functions as a parallel and complementary judgment. Beyond violent death, those who survive will face extreme destitution. "Not satisfied with bread" denotes severe famine, poverty, and a complete lack of basic necessities. This paints a picture of complete and utter ruin, where even the most fundamental human needs are denied, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the judgment against the wicked and their legacy.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:14 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its stark message. The most prominent is **Irony**, as the multiplication of children, typically a sign of blessing, is here explicitly linked to their destruction by the "sword." This subversion of expectation powerfully underscores the perverted nature of the wicked's "prosperity." The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and antithetical. "Children" and "offspring" are synonymous, reinforcing the generational scope, while "for the sword" and "shall not be satisfied with bread" present two distinct yet equally devastating forms of judgment (violent death and utter destitution), creating a comprehensive picture of ruin. **Metaphor** is evident in "the sword" representing violent judgment and "bread" symbolizing basic sustenance and well-being. These metaphors vividly communicate the severity and totality of the consequences awaiting the wicked and their lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:14 contributes significantly to the biblical theology of divine justice and the consequences of unrighteousness. It underscores the principle that while God's ways are often inscrutable and His justice may not always align with human expectations or timelines, He is ultimately righteous and will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely. The verse highlights the sobering truth that sin has far-reaching consequences, sometimes extending beyond the individual perpetrator to impact their descendants, not necessarily as direct punishment for the children's sins, but as a natural unfolding of the effects of systemic unrighteousness and a demonstration of the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. This does not contradict individual accountability but rather illustrates the profound ripple effect of moral choices within a covenantal and familial framework.

* [Psalm 37:28](/psalms/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - God's Preservation of the Righteous and Judgment of the Wicked") - "For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off."
* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - Inheritance and the Sinner's Wealth") - "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just."
* [Exodus 34:7](/exodus/34-7 "Exodus 34:7 - God's Mercy and Visiting Iniquity") - "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 27:14 serves as a solemn warning and a call to introspection for all believers. It reminds us that while God's justice may seem delayed or inscrutable from our limited perspective, it is ultimately assured. The verse challenges any notion that a life of unrighteousness can lead to lasting peace or genuine prosperity, especially when viewed through the lens of generational legacy. It prompts us to consider the long-term implications of our choices, not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. Trusting in God's ultimate justice, even when we cannot fully comprehend its timing or method, is a vital aspect of faith. For those who walk in integrity, there is an assurance of divine favor and provision, even amidst trials, which stands in stark contrast to the eventual ruin of the wicked. This verse encourages us to live righteously, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences and that God is the ultimate arbiter of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 27:14 challenge my assumptions about immediate divine retribution versus long-term justice?**
* **In what ways might my choices today impact future generations, either positively or negatively?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's justice, even when I observe the apparent prosperity of the unrighteous?**
* **What does "being satisfied with bread" truly mean in a spiritual sense, beyond physical sustenance?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that God punishes children for their parents' sins?**

Answer: Job 27:14 describes a consequence, not necessarily a direct, individual punishment of children for their parents' sins in every case. The Bible presents a nuanced view: while God is just and holds individuals accountable for their own sins ([Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Accountability")), it also acknowledges that the ripple effects of sin, particularly systemic unrighteousness, can have devastating generational consequences. The "sword" and "lack of bread" for the offspring of the wicked can be understood as the natural, societal, or divine consequences that flow from a life of ungodliness, where the environment created by the parents' choices leads to hardship for their descendants. It emphasizes the comprehensive nature of judgment against a wicked lineage, rather than an arbitrary punishment of innocent individuals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 27:14, with its grim prognosis for the wicked's offspring, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reorientation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often speaks of generational consequences for sin, the New Covenant, established through Christ, emphasizes a new spiritual lineage defined by faith, not by physical descent or the sins of ancestors. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), takes away the sin of the world, offering forgiveness and a new beginning that breaks the curse of sin's generational impact for those who believe ([Romans 8:1-2](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). He is the ultimate "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), satisfying the spiritual hunger that no earthly provision can quell, offering eternal life where the wicked's offspring face destitution. Furthermore, Christ's kingdom, unlike earthly kingdoms, will never be "for the sword" in terms of self-destruction, but rather will triumph through the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Sword of the Spirit")). In Christ, the promise of a blessed inheritance is secured for all who are adopted into God's family, ensuring not only physical provision but eternal satisfaction and a spiritual legacy that transcends earthly ruin ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")).

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

Deuteronomy 28:41

Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity.

Job 20:10

¶ His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods.

Luke 23:29

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Deuteronomy 28:32

Thy sons and thy daughters [shall be] given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail [with longing] for them all the day long: and [there shall be] no might in thine hand.

Esther 5:11

And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all [the things] wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

2 Kings 10:6

Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, [being] seventy persons, [were] with the great men of the city, which brought them up.

2 Kings 10:10

Know now that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the LORD, which the LORD spake concerning the house of Ahab: for the LORD hath done [that] which he spake by his servant Elijah.