King James Version

What Does Job 21:11 Mean?

Job 21:11 in the King James Version says “They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.”

Job 21:11 · KJV

Context

9

Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them. safe: Heb. peace from

10

Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.

11

They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

12

They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

13

They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave. in wealth: or, in mirth

Read Job 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's children flourish: 'They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.' Job contradicts his friends—the wicked's children DO prosper, dancing joyfully like frolicking lambs. This challenges simplistic retribution theology. If wickedness always brought swift judgment, the wicked's children would suffer. Job observes reality: the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked prosper. This prepares for Psalm 73's later treatment of this problem.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom assumed righteous prosperity and wicked suffering as general principles. Job challenges this by pointing to observable exceptions. His empirical approach—look at reality, not just theory—demonstrates wisdom that accounts for life's complexity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we handle tension between doctrine that righteousness brings blessing and reality that the wicked sometimes prosper?
  2. What does Job's willingness to observe reality rather than maintain theory teach about honest faith?
  3. How does Psalm 73's resolution (the wicked's ultimate end) address the problem Job raises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יְשַׁלְּח֣וּ1 of 5

“They send forth”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

כַ֭צֹּאן2 of 5

“like a flock”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

עֲוִילֵיהֶ֑ם3 of 5

“their little ones”

H5759

a babe

וְ֝יַלְדֵיהֶ֗ם4 of 5

“and their children”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

יְרַקֵּדֽוּן׃5 of 5

“dance”

H7540

properly, to stamp, i.e., to spring about (wildly or for joy)

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 21:11 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 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 127:3-5Psalms 107:41

Test Your Knowledge

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