Job 21:33
Job 21:33 in Multiple Translations
The clods of the valley are sweet to him; everyone follows behind him, and those before him are without number.
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, And all men shall draw after him, As there were innumerable before him.
The earth of the valley covering his bones is sweet to him, and all men come after him, as there were unnumbered before him.
Everyone attends their funeral service; a huge procession of people comes to pay their last respects.
The slimie valley shalbe sweete vnto him, and euery man shall draw after him, as before him there were innumerable.
Sweet to him have been the clods of the valley, And after him every man he draweth, And before him there is no numbering.
The clods of the valley will be sweet to him. All men will draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.
The clods of the valley will be sweet to him, and every man will draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
He hath been acceptable to the gravel of Cocytus, and he shall draw every man after him, and there are innumerable before him.
A huge number [HYP] of people go to the grave site. Some go in front of the procession and some come behind. And the clods of dirt thrown on the graves of those wicked people who have died are like a nice blanket.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:33
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 21:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מָֽתְקוּ
ל֗/וֹ
רִגְבֵ֫י
נָ֥חַל
וְ֭/אַחֲרָי/ו
כָּל
אָדָ֣ם
יִמְשׁ֑וֹךְ
וּ֝/לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
אֵ֣ין
מִסְפָּֽר
מָֽתְקוּ
mâthaq
H4985
be sweet
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
ל֗/וֹ
Prep | Suff
רִגְבֵ֫י
regeb
H7263
clod
N-mp
נָ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
וְ֭/אַחֲרָי/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Conj | Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
יִמְשׁ֑וֹךְ
mâshak
H4900
to draw
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מִסְפָּֽר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:33
מָֽתְקוּ
mâthaq
H4985
"be sweet"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To be sweet means to be pleasing or enjoyable, like a sweet taste or a pleasant conversation. It can also mean to suck, like a baby nursing, and is used in Psalm 119:103 to describe the sweetness of God's words.
Definition: 1) to be or become sweet or pleasing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or become sweet 1a2) to be or become pleasant 1a3) to suck 1b) (Hiphil) to give sweet taste Also means: ma.taq (מָתָק "to sweeten" H4988)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be (made, [idiom] take) sweet. See also: Exodus 15:25; Job 21:33; Psalms 55:15.
ל֗/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
רִגְבֵ֫י
regeb
H7263
"clod"
N-mp
This word means a lump of dirt or clay, like a clod of earth. It is a simple, everyday word used in the Bible to describe the natural world. The KJV Bible translates it as 'clod'.
Definition: clod (of earth)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: clod. See also: Job 21:33; Job 38:38.
נָ֥חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
וְ֭/אַחֲרָי/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Conj | Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
יִמְשׁ֑וֹךְ
mâshak
H4900
"to draw"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To draw can mean many things in the Bible, such as to pull or lead something, to sow seeds, or to make music. It is used in various contexts, including war, farming, and worship. The word is used in different forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to draw, drag, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (and lift out), drag along, lead along, drag or lead off, draw down 1a2) to draw (the bow) 1a3) to proceed, march 1a4) to draw out or give (a sound) 1a5) to draw out, prolong, continue 1a6) to trail (seed in sowing) 1a7) to cheer, draw, attract, gratify 1b) (Niphal) to be drawn out 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be drawn out, be postponed, be deferred 1c2) to be tall
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: draw (along, out), continue, defer, extend, forbear, [idiom] give, handle, make (pro-, sound) long, [idiom] sow, scatter, stretch out. See also: Genesis 37:28; Psalms 85:6; Psalms 10:9.
וּ֝/לְ/פָנָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מִסְפָּֽר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
Study Notes — Job 21:33
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:33
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:33
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:33
- Sermons on Job 21:33
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
31Who denounces his behavior to his face? Who repays him for what he has done?
32He is carried to the grave, and watch is kept over his tomb.
33The clods of the valley are sweet to him; everyone follows behind him, and those before him are without number.
34So how can you comfort me with empty words? For your answers remain full of falsehood.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 9:27 | Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, |
| 2 | Job 24:24 | They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and gathered up like all others; they are cut off like heads of grain. |
| 3 | Job 30:23 | Yes, I know that You will bring me down to death, to the place appointed for all the living. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:8 | As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 1:4 | Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. |
| 6 | Job 3:17–19 | There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary find rest. The captives enjoy their ease; they do not hear the voice of the oppressor. Both small and great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. |
| 7 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 8 | Job 17:16 | Will it go down to the gates of Sheol? Will we go down together into the dust?” |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 12:7 | before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. |
| 10 | Job 3:22 | who rejoice and greatly exult when they can find the grave? |
Job 21:33 Summary
This verse, Job 21:33, is saying that even death can seem appealing to someone who has lived a life of sin and selfishness, because they have not lived for God or others. The 'clods of the valley' represent the grave, which is a reminder that our lives on earth are temporary, as stated in Psalm 39:4-5. The fact that 'everyone follows behind him' suggests that the wicked person may have many admirers, but this is a hollow and fleeting popularity. As believers, we can learn from this verse to focus on living for God and others, rather than seeking to build our own wealth or reputation, as encouraged in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'the clods of the valley are sweet to him' in Job 21:33?
This phrase suggests that even death, represented by the clods of the valley, is a welcome end to the wicked person's life, as they have lived without regard for God or others, much like the rich man in Luke 12:15-21 who was only concerned with his own wealth and comfort.
Why does it say 'everyone follows behind him' in this verse?
This phrase likely indicates that the wicked person has many followers or admirers who are drawn to their wealth or power, but this is a fleeting and empty popularity, as warned against in Proverbs 29:2, where it is written that when the wicked rule, the people groan.
What is the significance of 'those before him are without number' in Job 21:33?
This phrase emphasizes the long line of wicked people who have come before him, suggesting a legacy of sin and rebellion against God, similar to the description of the wicked in Psalm 1:1 who walk in the counsel of the ungodly.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of the book of Job?
This verse highlights the theme of the book of Job, which is the question of why the wicked often seem to prosper while the righteous suffer, a question that is also addressed in Psalm 73:1-28 and Ecclesiastes 7:15, where the righteous are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty despite the apparent injustices of the world.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'following behind' the wicked or worldly influences in my own life, and how can I turn away from them?
- How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation for the value of integrity and righteousness in my own life, even when it seems that the wicked are prospering?
- What are some ways in which I can 'comfort the afflicted' and bring hope to those who are suffering, as opposed to offering 'empty words' like Job's friends?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when the world around me seems unjust or confusing, and how can I express that trust in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:33
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him,.... Where he lies interred, alluding to places of interment at the bottom of hills, and mountains, and under rocks, in plains and vales, see Genesis
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:33
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him. As the classic has it: 'The earth is light upon him.' His repose shall be "sweet." Draw - follow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:33
Of the valley, i.e. of the grave, which is low and deep like a valley. Shall be sweet unto him; he shall sweetly rest in his grave, free from all cares, and fears, and troubles, ,18. Every man shall draw after him, Heb. he shall draw every man after him, to wit, into the grave; i.e. all that live after him, whether good or bad, shall follow him into the grave, i.e. shall die as he did. So he fares no worse herein than all mankind. He is figuratively said to draw them, because they come after him, as if they were drawn by his example.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:33
Job 21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as [there are] innumerable before him.Ver. 33. The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him] Here he saith the same as before, but more poetically, and is variously rendered. The Vulgate, alluding to an old poetical fable, readeth it thus, He shall be sweet to the sand of Cocytus, which is feigned to be one of the rivers of hell, or an infernal lake, so called from the moan there made by damned ghosts, who should be glad of his arrival there. Hell from beneath is moved for him to meet him at his coming, as it is said of the Assyrian tyrant, Isaiah 14:9. Others better expound it thus, He shall taste so much bitterness while he treads upon the clods of the earth, that the clods under the earth shall be reckoned sweet unto him. And oh, how well pleased would he be if he might for ever lie hidden there, and never rise up again to come to judgment! And as it is with one wicked man departed, so it is with all ether, whether they died before, or shall die after (Caten. Graec.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:33
(33) The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him.—Death is robbed of its repulsiveness and horror, seeing that all will be glad to join in his funeral procession, and after him all men will draw (in endless procession), and before him they will be without number.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:33
Verse 33. The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him] Perhaps there is an allusion here to the Asiatic mode of interment for princes, saints, and nobles: a well-watered valley was chosen for the tomb, where a perpetual spring might be secured. This was intended to be the emblem of a resurrection, or of a future life; and to conceal as much as possible the disgrace of the rotting carcass. Every man shall draw after him] There seem to be two allusions intended here: 1. To death, the common lot of all. Millions have gone before him to the tomb; and כל אדם col adam, all men, shall follow him: all past generations have died, all succeeding generations shall die also. 2. To pompous funeral processions; multitudes preceding, and multitudes following, the corpse.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:33
33. After life’s fever he sleeps well. Eurip. Alces. 462, κούφασοιχθὼνἐπάνωπέσειεγύναι. Sit tibi terra levis, Light fall the dust upon thee. draw after him] The prosperous wicked man has innumerable successors and imitators, just as he was preceded by countless others whom he resembled, Ecclesiastes 4:15-16.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:33
The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him - That is, he shall lie as calmly as others in the grave. The language here is taken from that delusion of which we all partake when we reflect on death.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:33
33. The valley — With the ancients, vallies (for instance that of Jehoshaphat) were favourite buryingplaces for the dead. It was a common wish among friends that the earth might be light upon their graves.
Sermons on Job 21:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"A Million Roads Into Hell" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the eternal consequences of not choosing salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting the stark contrast between the eternal joy of heaven and the despair of |
|
(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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The Best Is Yet to Come by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, Peter emphasizes the theme of glory and the wonderful future that awaits Christians. He highlights the importance of serving and being faithful in one's role within |
|
Between Death and Resurrection - Part 2 by David Pawson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of regret and the certainty of the afterlife. He emphasizes that once a person is in the prison of death, there is no going back |
|
When Skeletons Come Out of Closets by John R. Rice | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of sin and judgment. He quotes Galatians 6:7-8, warning that sin must be punished and that it does not pay off. He also mentions t |
|
So Great Salvation by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the first four verses of Hebrews chapter 2. He emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not letting it sli |
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If You Faced Death Right Now by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the urgency of being prepared to meet God, reflecting on the reality of death and judgment as outlined in Hebrews 9:27 and Revelation 20:11-15. He shares pe |