King James Version

What Does Job 21:30 Mean?

Job 21:30 in the King James Version says “That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. wrath: Heb. wrat...” — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. wrath: Heb. wraths”

Job 21:30 · KJV

Context

28

For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwelling places of the wicked? the dwelling: Heb. the tent of the tabernacles

29

Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

30

That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. wrath: Heb. wraths

31

Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?

32

Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb. grave: Heb. graves remain: Heb. watch in the heap

Read Job 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked are spared in judgment: 'That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction? they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath.' Job's question expects affirmation—travelers confirm that the wicked aren't immediately judged but 'reserved' for future judgment day. This introduces eschatological perspective. Divine justice is certain but not always immediate. The wicked face ultimate judgment even if they escape temporal consequences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Developing eschatological consciousness in Old Testament thought included understanding of delayed judgment. Job grasps that immediate temporal prosperity doesn't indicate final verdict. Later prophetic and apocalyptic literature develops this extensively.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does eschatological judgment resolve the problem of delayed temporal justice?
  2. What role does faith play in trusting future judgment when present observation shows injustice?
  3. How should confidence in final judgment affect our pursuit of temporal justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּ֤י1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְי֖וֹם2 of 8

“to the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֵ֭יד3 of 8

“of destruction”

H343

oppression; by implication misfortune, ruin

יֵחָ֣שֶׂךְ4 of 8

“is reserved”

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

רָ֑ע5 of 8

“That the wicked”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְי֖וֹם6 of 8

“to the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עֲבָר֣וֹת7 of 8

“of wrath”

H5678

an outburst of passion

יוּבָֽלוּ׃8 of 8

“they shall be brought forth”

H2986

properly, to flow; causatively, to bring (especially with pomp)

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 21:30 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 21:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 16:42 Peter 2:9-172 Peter 3:7Romans 2:5Job 20:28Psalms 110:5

Test Your Knowledge

Job 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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