Job 20:18
Job 20:18 in Multiple Translations
He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading.
That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.
That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down; According to the substance that he hath gotten, he shall not rejoice.
He is forced to give back the fruit of his work, and may not take it for food; he has no joy in the profit of his trading.
They will have to give back what they have gained and will not have any benefit; they will not enjoy any of their profits.
He shall restore the labour, and shall deuoure no more: euen according to the substance shalbe his exchange, and he shall enioy it no more.
He is giving back [what] he laboured for, And doth not consume [it]; As a bulwark [is] his exchange, and he exults not.
He will restore that for which he labored, and will not swallow it down. He will not rejoice according to the substance that he has gotten.
That which he labored for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it : according to his substance shall the restitution be , and he shall not rejoice in it .
He shall be punished for all that he did, and yet shall not be consumed: according to the multitude of his devices so also shall he suffer.
They will be forced to give back the things that they stole from the poor; they will not be able to continue to enjoy those things. They will not remain happy because of what they got from their businesses,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 20:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵשִׁ֣יב
יָ֭גָע
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִבְלָ֑ע
כְּ/חֵ֥יל
תְּ֝מוּרָת֗/וֹ
וְ/לֹ֣א
יַעֲלֹֽס
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil
יָ֭גָע
yâgâʻ
H3022
toil
N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִבְלָ֑ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּ/חֵ֥יל
chayil
H2428
Helech
Prep | N-ms
תְּ֝מוּרָת֗/וֹ
tᵉmûwrâh
H8545
exchange
N-fs | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַעֲלֹֽס
ʻâlaç
H5965
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 20:18
מֵשִׁ֣יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יָ֭גָע
yâgâʻ
H3022
"toil"
N-ms
This word refers to the earnings or gain from hard work, like the product of labor, as seen in the book of Proverbs where it talks about the rewards of diligence.
Definition: earnings, gain (product of labour)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: that which he laboured for. See also: Job 20:18.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִבְלָ֑ע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
כְּ/חֵ֥יל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
Prep | N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
תְּ֝מוּרָת֗/וֹ
tᵉmûwrâh
H8545
"exchange"
N-fs | Suff
This term refers to an exchange or barter, like trading one thing for another. In the Bible, it can mean compensation or restitution, as seen in the laws of Exodus. It involves giving something in return for something else.
Definition: that which is exchanged, exchange, substitute, recompense
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (ex-) change(-ing), recompense, restitution. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Job 15:31; Job 28:17.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַעֲלֹֽס
ʻâlaç
H5965
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To rejoice means to leap for joy, like David did when he danced before the Lord in 2 Samuel 6:14. It involves waving your arms and shouting with excitement. This kind of joy is seen in Psalm 100:1.
Definition: 1) to rejoice 1a) (Qal) to rejoice 1b) (Niphal) to exult 1b1) to flap joyously (of ostrich) 1c) (Hithpael) to delight oneself
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] peacock, rejoice, solace self. See also: Job 20:18; Job 39:13; Proverbs 7:18.
Study Notes — Job 20:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:18
- Sermons on Job 20:18
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
16He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him.
17He will not enjoy the streams, the rivers flowing with honey and cream.
18He must return the fruit of his labor without consuming it; he cannot enjoy the profits of his trading.
19For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build. 20Because his appetite is never satisfied, he cannot escape with his treasure.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 20:10 | His sons will seek the favor of the poor, for his own hands must return his wealth. |
| 2 | Job 20:15 | He swallows wealth but vomits it out; God will force it from his stomach. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:44 | I will punish Bel in Babylon. I will make him spew out what he swallowed. The nations will no longer stream to him; even the wall of Babylon will fall. |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:12 | let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 22:13 | “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, |
| 6 | Matthew 23:13 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 22:17 | “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” |
| 8 | Job 31:29 | If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— |
| 9 | Hosea 8:7–8 | For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up. Israel is swallowed up! Now they are among the nations like a worthless vessel. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 51:34 | “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has devoured me; he has crushed me. He has set me aside like an empty vessel; he has swallowed me like a monster; he filled his belly with my delicacies and vomited me out. |
Job 20:18 Summary
This verse is saying that the person who has gotten rich by being mean and hurting others will not be able to enjoy the things they have worked for, because God will take them away. It's like what happens in Hosea 12:8, where it says that the person who gets rich by cheating will lose everything. We should remember that our hard work and efforts should be used to serve God and others, not just to get rich. By trusting in God's provision and living a life of obedience, we can find true fulfillment and happiness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4, where it says that we will be happy and fulfilled if we trust in God and do good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'return the fruit of his labor without consuming it' in Job 20:18?
This phrase means that the wicked person will not be able to enjoy the benefits of their hard work, similar to what is described in Proverbs 10:2, where it says that 'ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value.'
How does this verse relate to the concept of stewardship?
This verse highlights the importance of using one's resources and talents wisely, as seen in Matthew 25:14-30, where the parable of the talents teaches us to be faithful stewards of what God has given us.
Is this verse saying that all hard work is pointless?
No, this verse is specifically talking about the wicked person who has gained wealth and power through unjust means, as mentioned in Job 20:19, and will not be able to enjoy the fruits of their labor, whereas Proverbs 22:29 says that 'the diligent will be put in charge' and will reap the benefits of their hard work.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing that our labor and efforts should be centered on serving God and others, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where it says that 'whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,' and that true fulfillment comes from a life of obedience and service to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen people try to accumulate wealth and power at the expense of others, and how can I avoid following in their footsteps?
- How can I ensure that my own labor and efforts are being used for God's glory and not just my own personal gain?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'enjoy the profits of my trading' without considering the impact on others, and how can I make a change?
- How can I cultivate a heart of contentment and trust in God's provision, rather than relying on my own efforts to secure my future?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:18
That which he laboured for shall he restore,.... This explains what was before figuratively expressed by vomiting, Job 20:15; and is to be interpreted either of that which another laboured for; so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:18
That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitution be, and he shall not rejoice therein.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:18
That which he laboured for, Heb. labour, i.e. the goods which were gotten with labour; either, 1. By the labour of others; or rather, 2. By his own labour; which may relate as well to the goods of others, which he got not without pains and difficulty; or to his own goods honestly gotten by the sweat of his brows. And this is an aggravation of his misery, that he was forced to restore not only other men’ s goods which were in his hands, but his own also, to make reparation for their damages. Shall not swallow it down, to wit, so as to hold it; for otherwise he did swallow it, but withal did speedily vomit it up again, , which was as if he had not swallowed it. He shall not possess it long, nor to any considerable purpose. According to his substance shall the restitution be, i.e. he shall be forced to part with all his estate to make compensation for his wrongs done to others. He shall not rejoice therein, i.e. he shall not enjoy what he hath gotten, because it shall be taken from him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:18
Job 20:18 That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].Ver. 18. That which he laboured for shall he restore] (Great pains he hath taken to small purpose) in hope to make himself happy, the result whereof is, Reddet laborem, he shall restore his labour, either by regret and remorse of conscience, or by law, or by force, he shall be made to restore his ill gotten goods, which he had laboured for, even to lassitude; for wicked men are sore worksmen, and oppressors are great pains takers, κερδαινοντεςουκοπιωσι, in getting wealth unweariable (Nazian.). And shall not swallow it down] Or if he do, as Job 20:15, it shall be but as the fish swalloweth the hook, or as the whale swallowed Jonah, ill at ease till he had laid up again. According to his substance shall the restitution be] Heb. According to the substance of his exchange. Opes compensationis, the riches of his recompense, so the word is rendered, Job 15:31. The oppressor is so infatuated, that he looks upon his cursed hoards as the reward of his labour, and rejoiceth in that whereof he hath more reason to repent, as Leah said at the birth of her son Issachar (but not well), "God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband," Genesis 30:18. Felix scelus virtus vocatur. Dionysius gloried that the gods disliked not his sacrilege, because they punished him not presently. But what saith Zophar here?
He shall not rejoice therein] Or if he do for a while, yet the triumphing of the wicked is short, Job 20:5, as a blaze of thorns under a pot, or as a flash of lightning, which is followed by rending and roaring; he shall be filled with unmedicinable sorrows, when his gold (his god) is taken from him; when he parteth with that whereon he had set his heart and built his felicity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:18
(18) That which he laboured for shall he restore . . .—The latter part of this verse is probably right; but it may be, “According to the substance that he hath gotten he shall not rejoice.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:18
Verse 18. That which he laboureth for shall he restore] I prefer here the reading of the Arabic, which is also supported by the Syriac, and is much nearer to the Hebrew text than the common version. He shall return to labour, but he shall not eat; he shall toil, and not be permitted to enjoy the fruit of his labour. The whole of this verse Mr. Good thus translates: - "To labour shall he return, but he shall not eat. A dearth his recompense: yea, nothing shall he taste." It may be inquired how Mr. Good arrives at this meaning. It is by considering the word יעלס yaalos, which we translate he shall rejoice, as the Arabic [Arabic] alasa, "he ate, drank, tasted;" and the word כהיל kehil, which we make a compound word, keeheyl, "according to substance," to be the pure Arabic word [Arabic] kahala, "it was fruitless," applied to a year of dearth: hence kahlan, "a barren year." Conceiving these two to be pure Arabic words, for which he seems to have sufficient authority, he renders תמורתו temuratho, his recompense, as in Job 15:31, and not restitution, as here. The general meaning is, He shall labour and toil, but shall not reap, for God shall send on his land blasting and mildew. Houbigant translates the verse thus: Reddet labore partum; neque id absumet; copiosae fuerunt mercaturae ejus, sed illis non fruetur.
"He shall restore what he gained by labour, nor shall he consume it; his merchandises were abundant, but he shall not enjoy them." O, how doctors disagree! Old Coverdale gives a good sense, which is no unfrequent thing with this venerable translator: - But laboure shal he, and yet have nothinge to eate; great travayle shal he make for riches, but he shal not enjoye them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:18
18. That which he laboured for] i. e. that which he has acquired—the fruit of his labour; this he shall restore and shall not swallow down, or enjoy. according to his substance] This half verse reads: according to the wealth which he has gotten he shall not rejoice, lit. according to the wealth of his exchange (cf. ch. Job 15:31). The meaning is, however great the substance be which by his evil he has acquired he shall not have the joy of it he promised himself. The following verses read most naturally, 19. Because he hath oppressed and forsaken the poor, The house which he hath violently taken away he shall not build up; 20. Because he hath known no rest in his belly, He shall not deliver himself with that wherein he delighteth; 21. There was nothing left that he devoured not, Therefore his good shall not abide.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:18
That which he laboured for shall he restore - This means that he shall give back the profit of his labor. He shall not be permitted to enjoy it or to consume it.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:18
18. Laboured for — The fruit of labour; but not necessarily his labour. According to his substance, etc.
Sermons on Job 20:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
If the Lord Will by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the condemnation given to rich men in the Bible. He explains that these rich men are condemned because they take advantage of those who are p |
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Ii. Abuses to Be Discussed in Councils by Martin Luther | Martin Luther preaches against the abuses in the Roman Catholic Church, particularly focusing on the corruption, greed, and exploitation of power by the pope, cardinals, and bishop |
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Jeremiah 22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith addresses God's complaints against the leaders and prophets in Jeremiah 22, emphasizing how the kings have exploited their positions for personal gain, leading to spiri |
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A Continual Allowance by J. Wilbur Chapman | J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the contrasting lives of Jehoiakim and Jehoiachin, illustrating the consequences of sin and the eventual restoration and redemption offered by God. Th |
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As for Me by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua from the Old Testament to emphasize the importance of making a firm decision to serve God. |
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It's Harvest Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation wo |
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Grain Offering - Leviticus 2 by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He e |