King James Version

What Does Job 24:6 Mean?

Job 24:6 in the King James Version says “They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked. corn: Heb. mingled corn, or, dredg...” — study this verse from Job chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked. corn: Heb. mingled corn, or, dredge they gather: Heb. the wicked gather the vintage”

Job 24:6 · King James Version

Context

4

They turn the needy out of the way: the poor of the earth hide themselves together.

5

Behold, as wild asses in the desert, go they forth to their work; rising betimes for a prey: the wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children.

6

They reap every one his corn in the field: and they gather the vintage of the wicked. corn: Heb. mingled corn, or, dredge they gather: Heb. the wicked gather the vintage

7

They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold.

8

They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for want of a shelter.

Read Job 24 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
They reap every one his corn in the field (בַּשָּׂדֶה בְּלִילוֹ יִקְצוֹרוּ, bassadéh belíló yiqtsóru)—This verse is textually difficult. The Hebrew belílo likely means 'not his own' or 'mixed grain'—the poor scavenge whatever they can find in others' fields. Alternatively, it may reference night harvesting (related to layil, לַיִל, night), suggesting the poor glean secretly, ashamed or afraid. Levitical law guaranteed gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10, 23:22), but Job suggests even this minimal provision is denied or degraded.

And they gather the vintage of the wicked (וְכֶרֶם רָשָׁע יְלַקֵּשׁוּ, vekérem rasháa yelaqeshú)—The poor are reduced to gleaning in the vineyards of the wicked (רָשָׁע, rasha), those who oppress them. The verb laqash (לָקַשׁ) means to gather late crops or glean—menial work. The irony is devastating: the righteous poor must subsist on scraps from wicked oppressors' abundance. This inverts God's intended order where the righteous prosper and the wicked are judged. Ruth's gleaning in Boaz's field (Ruth 2) shows the system working properly—a righteous landowner ensuring the poor can glean with dignity and safety.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Israelite agriculture depended on the harvest cycle. Gleaning laws were God's welfare system—landowners couldn't harvest field corners or pick up dropped grain, leaving it for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (Ruth 2:2-3, Deuteronomy 24:19-21). Job's description suggests this system had broken down, with the poor forced to work oppressors' fields for bare survival. The wealthy had monopolized resources while evading covenant obligations to the vulnerable.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do modern economic systems either protect or exploit the vulnerable who depend on others' generosity?
  2. What does it mean that the poor must depend on the 'wicked' for survival in Job's society?
  3. How can believers create economic structures that provide dignity, not just charity, to those in need?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בַּ֭שָּׂדֶה1 of 6

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְּלִיל֣וֹ2 of 6

“every one his corn”

H1098

mixed, i.e., (specifically) feed (for cattle)

יִקְצ֑יֹרוּ3 of 6

“They reap”

H7114

to dock off, i.e., curtail (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative); especially to harvest (grass or grain)

וְכֶ֖רֶם4 of 6

“the vintage”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

רָשָׁ֣ע5 of 6

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יְלַקֵּֽשׁוּ׃6 of 6

“and they gather”

H3953

to gather the after crop

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 24:6 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 24:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Micah 6:15Deuteronomy 28:51Judges 6:3-6Deuteronomy 28:33

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