Old Testament
Job 20:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God shall cast them out of his belly.
Compare translations
He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.
What Job 20:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Zophar is expressing a belief that the wicked, despite their temporary wealth, will ultimately lose everything they have gained through dishonest means. The imagery of swallowing riches suggests that the wicked consume wealth greedily, but just as easily as they acquire it, they will be forced to give it up. The phrase 'vomit them up' indicates a violent rejection of what was wrongfully obtained. Zophar emphasizes that God has the power to take back what the wicked have hoarded, illustrating the idea that material wealth is fleeting and can be taken away at any moment. This serves as a warning against greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness, highlighting the belief that true prosperity comes from living a life aligned with God's principles rather than through deceitful means.
How to apply Job 20:15 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our pursuit of wealth and success. It encourages us to seek prosperity through honest and ethical means rather than through greed or deceit. Trusting in God's provision can lead to lasting fulfillment, rather than the temporary satisfaction of ill-gotten gains.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 20:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 20:15
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 20:15 mean?
Job 20:15 means that those who gain wealth through dishonest means will ultimately lose it. The verse uses the imagery of swallowing and vomiting to illustrate how greed can lead to a temporary accumulation of riches, but God will ensure that the wicked must give it up.
What is the meaning of 'swallowed down riches' in Job 20:15?
The phrase 'swallowed down riches' in Job 20:15 suggests that the wicked greedily consume wealth. It implies that they acquire riches quickly and without regard for morality, but this wealth is not secure and will eventually be taken away.
How does Job 20:15 relate to greed?
Job 20:15 highlights the dangers of greed by showing that those who pursue wealth unethically will face consequences. It serves as a reminder that material possessions gained through dishonesty are fleeting and can be lost at any moment.
What warning does Job 20:15 give about wealth?
Job 20:15 warns that wealth gained through wrongful actions is not lasting. It teaches that true prosperity comes from living righteously, rather than through greed or deceit.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.