Job 21:8
Job 21:8 in Multiple Translations
Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes.
Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
Their seed is established with them in their sight, And their offspring before their eyes.
Their children are ever with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
Their children are with them; they watch their grandchildren grow up.
Their seede is established in their sight with them, and their generation before their eyes.
Their seed is established, Before their face with them, And their offspring before their eyes.
Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.
Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.
Their seed continueth before them, a multitude of kinsmen, and of children’s children in their sight.
They have their children around them, and they watch them while they grow up and start to live in their own houses, and they enjoy their grandchildren.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:8
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 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זַרְעָ֤/ם
נָכ֣וֹן
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
עִמָּ֑/ם
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֗ם
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
זַרְעָ֤/ם
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
N-ms | Suff
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
עִמָּ֑/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֗ם
tseʼĕtsâʼ
H6631
offspring
Conj | N-mp | Suff
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:8
זַרְעָ֤/ם
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
נָכ֣וֹן
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
לִ/פְנֵי/הֶ֣ם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
עִמָּ֑/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ֝/צֶאֱצָאֵי/הֶ֗ם
tseʼĕtsâʼ
H6631
"offspring"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Offspring or produce, this term describes children or descendants, as well as the fruit of the earth. It is used to describe the outcome of human or natural processes. The Bible uses it to talk about family and heritage.
Definition: 1) offspring, produce, issue 1a) offspring (of men) 1b) produce (of earth) 1c) descendants (metaphorical)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: that which cometh forth (out), offspring. See also: Job 5:25; Isaiah 34:1; Isaiah 22:24.
לְ/עֵינֵי/הֶֽם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Job 21:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:8
- Sermons on Job 21:8
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
6When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror.
7Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?
8Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes.
9Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. 10Their bulls breed without fail; their cows bear calves and do not miscarry.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 17:6 | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of a son is his father. |
| 2 | Job 5:3–4 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender. |
| 3 | Job 20:10 | His sons will seek the favor of the poor, for his own hands must return his wealth. |
| 4 | Job 20:28 | The possessions of his house will be removed, flowing away on the day of God’s wrath. |
| 5 | Psalms 17:14 | from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
| 6 | Job 18:19 | He has no offspring or posterity among his people, no survivor where he once lived. |
Job 21:8 Summary
[This verse is saying that the wicked seem to have it all together - they have big families and their children are successful, and it can be hard to understand why this is happening. But as we see in Psalm 73:16-17, God has a bigger plan, and we can trust that He is in control. We can also look to verses like Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us that God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, and that He wants the best for us, even if it doesn't always seem that way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it seem like the wicked are blessed with large families and prosperous descendants?
This verse highlights the seeming prosperity of the wicked, which can be confusing to believers, but as Psalm 73:16-17 reminds us, God's perspective is much larger than our own, and His ways are not our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Is it God's will for the wicked to have many children and a long life?
While it may seem that way from this verse, it's essential to remember that God is sovereign over all things, and as stated in Proverbs 16:9, 'The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps', indicating that God's plan is often beyond human understanding.
How can I reconcile the fact that the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer?
This is a question that has puzzled believers for centuries, but as Job 21:8 indicates, the wicked may seem to prosper now, but their ultimate fate is sealed, as stated in Psalm 37:38, which says that the wicked will be cut off, while the righteous will inherit the land.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
This verse reminds us that God is all-knowing and all-powerful, and as Romans 11:33 says, 'Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have seen the wicked seem to prosper in my own life, and how has that affected my faith?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty when it seems like the wicked are being blessed and the righteous are suffering?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to me?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of Psalm 37:3-7 to my own life, trusting in God and doing good, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:8
Their seed is established in their sight with them,.... Which is to be understood not of seed sown in the earth, and of the permanence and increase of that, but of their children; to have a numerous
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:8
Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. In opposition to Job 18:19; Job 5:4; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalms 73:3, etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:8
Their seed; either, 1. The fruits of their ground; or rather, 2. Their children; as it is explained in the next branch of the verse, the words both here and there used being commonly so understood. Their seed is established, i.e. they multiply and prosper greatly. In their sight; which is a great addition to their happiness.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:8
Job 21:8 Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes.Ver. 8. Their seed is established in their sight with them] Some understand it of their seed sown in the fields, nor blasted nor wasted, but timely gathered into their barns and granaries; and so by offspring, Germina, they, taking it literally, conceive to be meant their plants, trees, flowers, fruits, all which come kindly, and grow to their minds. But better interpret it of their children and nephews, whom they have many, healthy, lusty, and lively, Multos, sanos, vegetos, et viraces, and not unfitly compared to seed; as if the parents were but only the husks; and to branches or sprigs, because they may be, and must be, bent betime to the best things, before they be aged and crooked in their evil practices, refusing to be rectified. And their offspring before their eyes] This is the same with that before, and is repeated, because a singular happiness, to see their children prosper as much as themselves. This is a third time instanced, Job 21:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:8
(8) Their seed is established in their sight.—Not only are they mighty in power themselves, but they leave their power to their children after them (comp. Psalms 17:14). This contradicts what Eliphaz had said (Job 15:34), what Bildad had said (Job 18:19), and what Zophar had said (Job 20:10).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:8
Verse 8. Their seed is established] They see their own children grow up, and become settled in the land; and behold their children's children also; so that their generations are not cut off. Even the posterity of the wicked continue.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:8
8. They have the additional felicity of seeing their children grow up beside them—a pathetic touch from the hand of the man whose sons had been taken from him.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:8
Their seed - Their children - their posterity. Is established in their sight - Around them, where they may often see them - where they may enjoy their society.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:8
8. Their offspring — The children of the wicked live on, while his own are dead.
Sermons on Job 21:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Godly Home) Part 5 - a Godly Heritage Today by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a godly home and raising children for God. He shares a personal experience of meeting a family that had a powerful h |
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Old Men Shall Dream Dreams by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Acts chapter 2 emphasizes the power of older individuals to dream divine dreams and speak into the lives of the next generation. It highlights the importance of gr |
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What a Pitiful Perishing Portion Is That! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of placing one's hope and satisfaction in worldly things, describing how those who are worldly-minded have only the transient pleasures of thi |