Job 27:14
Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food.
If his sons are multiplied
The phrase begins with a conditional "if," suggesting a hypothetical situation. The Hebrew root for "sons" is "בָּנִים" (banim), which often signifies not just male children but descendants or progeny in general. In the ancient Near Eastern context, having many sons was considered a blessing and a sign of divine favor. However, Job is highlighting a paradox where what is typically seen as a blessing becomes a potential curse. This reflects the broader theme of the book of Job, where conventional wisdom about prosperity and divine favor is challenged.

it is for the sword
The Hebrew word for "sword" is "חֶרֶב" (chereb), a symbol of violence, war, and destruction. In the ancient world, the sword was a common instrument of warfare and judgment. Job's assertion that the multiplication of sons is "for the sword" suggests a future filled with conflict and loss. This stark imagery serves as a warning about the fleeting nature of human prosperity and the potential for divine judgment. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the inscrutability of God's ways, which is central to the book of Job.

and his offspring
The term "offspring" in Hebrew is "צֶאֱצָאִים" (tse'etsa'im), which refers to one's descendants or progeny. This word emphasizes the continuation of a family line, a significant concern in the patriarchal society of the Bible. The mention of offspring here ties back to the earlier mention of sons, reinforcing the idea of generational impact and legacy. In the context of Job's discourse, it highlights the futility of relying on human lineage for security or blessing.

will never have enough food
The phrase "never have enough food" speaks to a state of perpetual lack and insufficiency. The Hebrew root for "food" is "לֶחֶם" (lechem), which can mean bread or sustenance in general. In the agrarian society of the ancient Near East, having enough food was a primary concern and a sign of God's provision. Job's statement here is a grim prediction of famine or divine withholding, suggesting that material abundance is not guaranteed even for the wicked's descendants. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true security and provision come from God alone, not from human efforts or wealth.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and loss.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visit Job to offer counsel and comfort but often end up accusing him of wrongdoing.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Job's Children
Initially, Job had ten children who perished in a tragic accident, and here he speaks hypothetically about the fate of the wicked's offspring.

5. The Sword
A symbol of violence and judgment, often used in the Bible to represent divine retribution or warfare.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Wickedness
The verse highlights the sobering reality that the actions of the wicked can have dire consequences for their descendants. It serves as a warning to live righteously and consider the legacy we leave behind.

Divine Justice
God's justice is impartial and extends beyond the individual to their lineage. This should encourage believers to trust in God's righteous judgment, even when it seems delayed.

The Importance of Spiritual Heritage
While material wealth and offspring are often seen as blessings, this verse reminds us that spiritual heritage and righteousness are of greater value and lasting impact.

The Role of Suffering in Understanding God
Job's discourse, including this verse, is part of his struggle to understand suffering and divine justice. It encourages believers to seek God earnestly in times of trial and to trust His wisdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Job 27:14 challenge our understanding of generational blessings and curses in the Bible?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are leaving a positive spiritual legacy for our descendants?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Job 27:14 relate to the New Testament teachings on judgment and grace?

4. What can we learn from Job's perspective on suffering and justice that can be applied to our own experiences of hardship?

5. How do other scriptures, such as Psalm 37:28 and Proverbs 11:21, reinforce the message found in Job 27:14 about the fate of the wicked and their offspring?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37:28
This verse speaks of the Lord's protection over the righteous and the cutting off of the descendants of the wicked, echoing the theme of divine justice found in Job 27:14.

Proverbs 11:21
This proverb assures that the wicked will not go unpunished, and their offspring will not escape judgment, similar to Job's assertion about the fate of the wicked's children.

Isaiah 14:21
This passage calls for the preparation of slaughter for the children of evildoers, reinforcing the idea that the consequences of sin can extend to one's descendants.
Job a Victor in the ControversyE. Johnson Job 27:1-23
God's Treatment of Wicked MenHomilistJob 27:11-23
Zophar's Missing SpeechAlbert Barnes.Job 27:11-23
The Portion of a Wicked ManW.F. Adeney Job 27:13-23
The Reward of IniquityR. Green Job 27:13-23
People
Job
Places
Uz
Topics
Bread, Descendants, Destined, Eat, Fate, Increased, Multiplied, Multiply, Offspring, Satisfied, Sons, Sword, Though
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 27:13-14

     5724   offspring

Library
The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
Who, then, is this "wicked man," thus portrayed before us? And what are the first symptoms of his depravity? We ask not the question idly, but in order that we take heed against the uprise of such an evil in ourselves. "Beneath the saintly veil the votary of sin May lurk unseen; and to that eye alone Which penetrates the heart, may stand revealed." The hypocrite is very often an exceedingly neat imitation of the Christian. To the common observer he is so good a counterfeit that he entirely escapes
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Whether Hypocrisy is Contrary to the virtue of Truth?
Objection 1: It seems that hypocrisy is not contrary to the virtue of truth. For in dissimulation or hypocrisy there is a sign and a thing signified. Now with regard to neither of these does it seem to be opposed to any special virtue: for a hypocrite simulates any virtue, and by means of any virtuous deeds, such as fasting, prayer and alms deeds, as stated in Mat. 6:1-18. Therefore hypocrisy is not specially opposed to the virtue of truth. Objection 2: Further, all dissimulation seems to proceed
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

On the Interior Man
The interior man is the rational soul; in the apostle: have in your hearts, in the interior man, Christ through faith. [Eph. 3:16] His head is Christ; in the apostle: the head of the man is Christ. [I Cor. 11:3] The crown of the head is the height of righteousness; in Solomon: for the crown of your head has received the crown of grace. The same in a bad part: the crown of hairs having walked about in their own delights, that is, in the height of iniquity. [Prov. 4:9; Ps. 67(68):22(21)] The hair is
St. Eucherius of Lyons—The Formulae of St. Eucherius of Lyons

Wesley in St. Albans Abbey
Monday, July 30.--l preached at Bingham, ten miles from Nottingham. I really admired the exquisite stupidity of the people. They gaped and stared while I was speaking of death and judgment, as if they had never heard of such things before. And they were not helped by two surly, ill-mannered clergymen, who seemed to be just as wise as themselves. The congregation at Houghton in the evening was more noble, behaving with the utmost decency. Tuesday, 31.--At nine I preached in the market place at Loughborough,
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted.
1. Conviction of guilt necessary.--2. A charge of rebellion against God advanced.--3. Where it is shown--that all men are born under God's law.--4. That no man hath perfectly kept it.--5. An appeal to the reader's conscience on this head, that he hath not.--6. That to have broken it, is an evil inexpressibly great.--7. Illustrated by a more particular view of the aggravations of this guilt, arising--from knowledge.--8. From divine favors received.--9. From convictions of conscience overborne.--10.
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
"If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). Throughout this book it has been our chief aim to exalt the Creator and abase the creature. The well-nigh universal tendency now, is to magnify man and dishonour and degrade God. On every hand it will be found that, when spiritual things are under discussion, the human side and element is pressed and stressed, and the Divine side, if not altogether ignored, is relegated to the background. This holds true of very much of the
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Job
The book of Job is one of the great masterpieces of the world's literature, if not indeed the greatest. The author was a man of superb literary genius, and of rich, daring, and original mind. The problem with which he deals is one of inexhaustible interest, and his treatment of it is everywhere characterized by a psychological insight, an intellectual courage, and a fertility and brilliance of resource which are nothing less than astonishing. Opinion has been divided as to how the book should be
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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