Job 21:19

It is said that God lays up one's punishment for his children. Let God repay the man himself, so he will know it.

Study Bible

It is said
This phrase introduces a common belief or saying, suggesting that the idea being presented is not necessarily Job's own but rather a traditional or widely accepted notion. In the context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, such sayings were often passed down through generations. Job is challenging the conventional wisdom of his time, which held that the consequences of a person's sins would be visited upon their descendants. This reflects a broader cultural understanding of collective responsibility and familial legacy.

that God lays up
The Hebrew root for "lays up" is "צָפַן" (tsaphan), which means to store or treasure up. This implies a deliberate and intentional act by God, suggesting that He keeps a record of sins to be addressed at a later time. In the ancient world, the concept of storing up treasures or punishments was common, reflecting the belief in divine justice that would eventually be meted out, even if not immediately visible.

one’s punishment
The term "punishment" here is derived from the Hebrew word "עָוֹן" (avon), which can mean iniquity, guilt, or the consequences of sin. This reflects the biblical principle of retributive justice, where wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences. In the context of Job, this challenges the simplistic view of immediate retribution and raises questions about the timing and nature of divine justice.

for his children
This phrase touches on the idea of intergenerational punishment, where the sins of the parents affect their offspring. This concept is seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:5), where God speaks of visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children. Job is questioning the fairness of this principle, advocating instead for individual accountability.

Let God repay
The call for God to "repay" uses the Hebrew root "שָׁלַם" (shalam), which means to make whole or to recompense. Job is appealing for direct justice, where the individual who commits the sin receives the consequences, rather than their descendants. This reflects a desire for personal responsibility and justice that is immediate and visible.

the man himself
By emphasizing "the man himself," Job underscores the importance of personal accountability. This challenges the prevailing notion of collective punishment and suggests a more individualized approach to justice. In the broader biblical narrative, this aligns with later developments in prophetic literature, where personal responsibility becomes more pronounced.

so that he may know it
The phrase "so that he may know it" highlights the purpose of divine retribution: awareness and understanding. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. Job is advocating for a justice that not only punishes but also educates and enlightens the sinner, leading to repentance and transformation. This reflects a deeper theological understanding of God's justice as ultimately redemptive.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. In this chapter, Job is responding to his friends' arguments about the fate of the wicked.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who argue that suffering is a direct result of personal sin and that the wicked are always punished in their lifetime.

3. God
The ultimate judge and sovereign being, whose justice and ways are being questioned and explored throughout the Book of Job.

4. The Wicked
Those who live in opposition to God's ways, often discussed in Job as seemingly prospering despite their evil deeds.

5. Children of the Wicked
Referenced in this verse as potentially bearing the consequences of their parents' sins, a concept Job challenges.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Justice
Job challenges the simplistic view of retributive justice, urging us to consider the complexity of God's justice and the timing of His judgments.

Individual Responsibility
The Bible teaches that each person is accountable for their own actions. This verse invites us to reflect on personal responsibility rather than blaming or expecting others to bear our consequences.

The Mystery of Suffering
Job's discourse reminds us that suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. We are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.

Intergenerational Consequences
While the Bible acknowledges that actions can have consequences for future generations, it also emphasizes God's fairness and justice in dealing with each person individually.

Faith in God's Timing
We are called to trust that God will bring about justice in His perfect timing, even if it is not immediately apparent in this life.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job 21:19 challenge the traditional view of retributive justice, and what does this teach us about God's character?

2. In what ways does the concept of individual responsibility for sin, as seen in Ezekiel 18:20, influence our understanding of Job 21:19?

3. How can we reconcile the idea of intergenerational consequences with the biblical principle of personal accountability?

4. What practical steps can we take to trust in God's justice and timing when we see the wicked prospering?

5. How does Job's perspective on suffering and justice encourage us to support others who are experiencing trials and questioning God's ways?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:5
Discusses the idea of God visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, which is a concept Job is addressing and questioning in this verse.

Ezekiel 18:20
Contrasts with the idea of inherited punishment, emphasizing individual responsibility for sin.

Psalm 37
Offers a broader perspective on the fate of the wicked, affirming that their prosperity is temporary and that justice will ultimately prevail.

Deuteronomy 24:16
Reinforces the principle that individuals are responsible for their own sin, not the sins of their parents.