King James Version

What Does Job 21:19 Mean?

Job 21:19 in the King James Version says “God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. his iniquity: that is, the punishme...” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. his iniquity: that is, the punishment of his iniquity”

Job 21:19 · KJV

Context

17

How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger. candle: or, lamp

18

They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. carrieth: Heb. stealeth

19

God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. his iniquity: that is, the punishment of his iniquity

20

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21

For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

Read Job 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job quotes his friends' theology: "God layeth up his [the wicked man's] iniquity for his children." The Hebrew tsaphan (צָפַן, "layeth up") means to treasure or store, suggesting God reserves punishment. The phrase "he rewardeth him, and he shall know it" uses shalam (שָׁלַם, "rewardeth")—to recompense or repay. Job is critiquing vicarious punishment theology: why should the wicked man's children suffer for his sins when the man himself prospers? This challenges collective guilt concepts while affirming individual accountability. Reformed theology, grounded in Ezekiel 18:20 ("The soul that sinneth, it shall die"), recognizes that God's justice is ultimately personal, not merely corporate. Yet Job's protest also anticipates the mystery of Christ bearing sins not His own—vicarious punishment that leads to redemption rather than mere retribution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern legal codes (Hammurabi, Hittite laws) often included punishments extending to offenders' families. Exodus 20:5 speaks of God "visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children," but Deuteronomy 24:16 prohibits punishing children for fathers' crimes in human courts. Job's question addresses this tension: if earthly justice should be individual, why would divine justice operate collectively? This anticipates Ezekiel's explicit teaching on individual responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's critique of vicarious punishment illuminate the unique nature of Christ's substitutionary atonement?
  2. What does this passage teach about the relationship between corporate and individual aspects of sin and judgment?
  3. How should we respond when we see innocent people suffer consequences of others' wickedness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֱל֗וֹהַּ1 of 7

“God”

H433

a deity or the deity

יִצְפֹּן2 of 7

“layeth up”

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

לְבָנָ֥יו3 of 7

“for his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אוֹנ֑וֹ4 of 7

“his iniquity”

H205

strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם5 of 7

“he rewardeth”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

אֵלָ֣יו6 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְיֵדָֽע׃7 of 7

“him and he shall know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 21:19 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 21:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 20:5Ezekiel 18:19-20Ezekiel 18:2Isaiah 14:21Jeremiah 31:29Isaiah 53:4-6

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