King James Version

What Does Job 20:18 Mean?

Job 20:18 in the King James Version says “That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow it down: according to his substance shall the restitu...” — study this verse from Job chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. his: Heb. the substance of his exchange”

Job 20:18 · KJV

Context

16

He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him.

17

He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter. the floods: or, streaming brooks

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. his: Heb. the substance of his exchange

19

Because he hath oppressed and hath forsaken the poor; because he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; oppressed: Heb. crushed

20

Surely he shall not feel quietness in his belly, he shall not save of that which he desired. feel: Heb. know

Read Job 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Labor brings no enjoyment: '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.' The wicked must restore what they gained—no enjoyment of their labor. Full restitution leaves them without gain. While true for those who gained through oppression, this doesn't explain Job's losses. Job's labor was righteous, yet he lost its fruit.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern law required restitution for theft and fraud (Exodus 22). Multiple restitution (sometimes fourfold or more) could impoverish the thief. Zophar assumes Job secretly defrauded others, requiring such restitution. God's later vindication proves this false.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we make proper restitution when we've wronged others?
  2. What is the difference between restitution for actual wrong versus assumption of wrong without evidence?
  3. How does the Gospel both require justice and offer grace regarding past wrongs?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מֵשִׁ֣יב1 of 8

“for shall he restore”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יָ֭גָע2 of 8

“That which he laboured”

H3022

earnings (as the product of toil)

וְלֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִבְלָ֑ע4 of 8

“and shall not swallow it down”

H1104

to make away with (specifically by swallowing); generally, to destroy

כְּחֵ֥יל5 of 8

“according to his substance”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

תְּ֝מוּרָת֗וֹ6 of 8

“shall the restitution”

H8545

barter, compensation

וְלֹ֣א7 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַעֲלֹֽס׃8 of 8

“be and he shall not rejoice”

H5965

to leap for joy, i.e., exult, wave joyously

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 20:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 20:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 20:10Job 20:15Proverbs 1:12Jeremiah 22:13Jeremiah 51:44Isaiah 24:7-11

Test Your Knowledge

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